Is your home prone to flooding? Here’s what you need to know and do!
Most old homes aren’t built to withstand floods. Which in turn means that they are at a higher risk of getting damaged from floodwater. If you live in such a home or your home is built on a flood-prone area, you’ll have to take active safety measures. We strongly recommend seeking professional assistance for flood prevention and restoration companies. You can also take a few preventive measures yourself to flood-proof your home.
Let’s take a look!
Elevate your home with piers or stilts
One method of keeping your home safe from flooding is by raising it above the flood level. You can use piers or stilts to elevate your home by a few inches. This preventive method is extremely efficient, and it can save your home from sustaining damage in case of flooding.
Apply sealants and coatings
An easy and effective method of preventing floodwater from damaging your home is by sealing the leak-prone spots. Apply coatings and sealant on walls, doorways, and the foundation of your home to prevent floodwater from seeping into your home.
Install a sump pump
Installing a sump pump or foundation vents in your home will allow the flood water to flow through the house instead of standing in pools of water. It’s a form of wet flood-proofing and prevents your home from getting damaged due to the pressure of the floodwater on the walls, floor, and windows.
A sump pump comes in handy during the restorative process. It pumps out the floodwater from your basement and other rooms. If you live in a flood-prone zone, a sump pump becomes an essential tool to possess.
Seal your pipes with valves
Leaking pipes is one of the major causes of damage during flooding. To prevent your sewage system from overflowing and leaking inside your home, you need to seal all the pipes that enter your house with valves. Cover all the pipes with gate valves so that they can withstand the pressure created from the flood.
Elevate all electrical switches and outlets
Flooding often leads to electrical damage, which puts your home and its inhabitants at a higher risk of injury. Make sure that you keep all your electrical sockets, switches, outlets, and breakers elevated above the flood level.
Keep some space between your siding and mulch
Flooding makes the mulch wet, which can contribute to the rotting of the external surfaces of your house. That’s why it’s essential to keep some space between the siding and the mulch so that it can dry out quicker.
Direct your gutter runoff away from your home
Make sure you point your downspout and gutter run off in the opposite direction from your house. It will keep the runoff from pooling around your house, which can damage your foundation and create leaks.
