As the old Albert Hammond song goes, “It never rains in Southern California” and while this isn’t completely true, precipitation is rare enough that it can cause disruptions and problems that other locations around the country don’t have to deal with.
BURN AREAS ARE VULNERABLE
While a good rain can help put out a wildfire, the charred landscape left behind is prone to flooding. The top of the soil is baked and hardened to the point of being almost like concrete. The rainwater can’t soak into the soil and the water runs down slopes and hills. In addition, the vegetation is gone, so there is nothing to slow the water down. All the debris, such as fallen trees, damaged structures, and boulders will flow downhill with the water, adding to the potential damage from obstacles along with the flooding water.
It doesn’t take much rainfall for the accumulating water to cause flooding and it can take years for the soil and vegetation to recover from the wildfires, making every storm a potential problem. This is a double whammy to property owners that had structures that survived the wildfires, only to now have to deal with flooding. If you live near a flood-prone area you may be living in a constant state of anxiety every time the sky clouds over. Basements, crawl spaces, and slab homes can quickly flood during rainstorms, leading to water damage to your property and structural damage to your home or business.
LANDSLIDES ARE A LINGERING DANGER
Landslides can occur in locations not impacted by wildfires, too. A long, drenching storm can cause a hillside to begin sliding. The water will cause rock or mudslides to occur, blocking roads, damaging homes, or causing foundations to crumble. Weak retaining walls can collapse from the onslaught of water and mud. The soil can move out from under foundations and concrete slabs, like driveways, sidewalks, and floors, destabilizing and weakening them.
It is important to make sure that your home or commercial property is stable, safe, and secure. As seen recently, structures can be destroyed and lives can be lost during a mudslide.
FLOODED HOMES AND BUSINESSES
Even without landslides and the damage caused by debris moved by rushing water, rain in Southern California can cause damage to homes and businesses. Many people in this area have to deal with water in their basements and crawl spaces, we’ve even helped people that had sunken living rooms that flooded during storms. It is easy to install waterproofing systems and they can save you a lot of headaches with property damage and mold issues.
Water in your home or business can promote mold growth, pest infestations, and weaken wood and metal supports through wood rot and rust.
LET IT RAIN
Although there are severe problems associated with rainfall in Southern California, it’s a necessary evil. This area has been going through a drought for a long time and our resources definitely need to be replenished. Snow-melt and rainfall fill our reservoirs and keep this area green and healthy. We all love having the sunny South California weather, but we have to put up with some rain and now and then. If your home or business is prepared for the weather, it makes it easier to enjoy the occasional shower or thunderstorm. Make sure your property is protected by waterproofing systems and retaining walls.
Dalinghaus Construction can help you be proactive and ready for the weather with retaining wall construction and repair, waterproofing installation, and other services. If your structure is already damaged, we can help with foundation repair, concrete lifting, and home repair and remodeling. Contact us today to learn more about what Dalinghaus Construction can do to help you enjoy your Southern California weather.
