Las Cruces, NM (KFOX14/CBS4) — Recent heavy rain has left some Las Cruces homeowners dealing with water damage, with local cleanup crews reporting an increase in weather-related calls during this rainy season.Jacob Branch, a technician with Aggie Carpet and Tile Cleaning in Las Cruces, said the company has seen a significant jump in calls compared with the previous rainy season.“Last fiscal year, we had, like, two calls in total during the rainy season. This year, we had over 100 during the rainy season,” Bran...
Las Cruces, NM (KFOX14/CBS4) — Recent heavy rain has left some Las Cruces homeowners dealing with water damage, with local cleanup crews reporting an increase in weather-related calls during this rainy season.
Jacob Branch, a technician with Aggie Carpet and Tile Cleaning in Las Cruces, said the company has seen a significant jump in calls compared with the previous rainy season.
“Last fiscal year, we had, like, two calls in total during the rainy season. This year, we had over 100 during the rainy season,” Branch said.
Branch said many of the calls involve carpet, but inspections can sometimes uncover damage that is not immediately visible.
Because Las Cruces is located in a desert environment, heavy rainfall can lead to puddling, pooling and flooding around homes, he said.
RECOMMENDED: Crime Stoppers of El Paso's 'Most Wanted' fugitives for the week of Oct. 3
Water can also seep into materials such as drywall without leaving an obvious sign on the surface. In some cases, flooring or other materials may need to be removed to address the damage.
The company said the most significant damage it has seen so far involved about three inches of water entering a home. Some of the water has entered through door thresholds and other areas where water can collect around a property.
The increase in calls has also meant longer hours for some crews.
“During this rainy season, we've gone to participate in about 30 hours a week of overtime. So it's been quite an increase in hours for work,” Branch said.
Homeowners may not always notice water damage immediately. According to the company, signs can include bubbling paint or a musty smell, which may indicate moisture behind walls or in other materials.
With more rain in the forecast at times, homeowners are encouraged to keep an eye out for standing water and signs of moisture inside their homes.
RECOMMENDED: Las Cruces operation nets 237 arrests, drugs and guns seized in five weeks
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox