Flooding occurs somewhere in the United States every day. You may not know this, but flooding is the only weather-related event that causes as much damage as is caused on average each year, upwards of $8 billion dollars! Although immense floodwaters cannot be prevented, you have several precautions to take this Flood Safety Awareness Week as a homeowner in efforts to protect your home from flood-related water damage.
First, Know Your Area’s Flood Risk Level
Does your home reside in floodplain territory? With access to plenty of online maps and other information sources, you can find out whether or not your home is highly subjected to possible flooding. Identifying if there is a dam or levee near your neighborhood is also very important. While these structures might make sense to check on while reading this article, it isn’t usually a consideration while buying a new home!
Second, Expand Your Flood Awareness
There are multiple official websites, warning devices, and radio frequencies that are designed to assist you with flood education and monitoring. It is possible to receive an alert of both full-on flood warnings as well as early flood activity. Some options include installing an app on your phone and turning to a radio station to access the info0rmation you need to help keep your family up to date on any possible emergency flooding situation.
Third, Consider Investing in Waterproofing Solutions
There is no doubt that once a flood becomes large enough, there will be no preventing the destruction that can ensue. It is possible, however, to implement an effective waterproofing solution for your home capable of keeping a substantial amount of intruding water from entering in (as well as the usual water damage from occurring. Take a look at this Flood Cost Calculator from FEMA). Our team installs two major systems that make a smart investment for both commercial businesses and residential homes alike, summarized below:
1. Interior Waterproofing
An interior waterproofing system is installed as described: the perimeter of the concrete foundation of your basement is opened and a collection of drainage tiles, pipes, and stone aggregate are installed. A drainage system is created that can prevent intruding water by redirecting it before it reaches the basement interior from the foundation walls or floor. The redirected water is collected by a sump pump and sent even further away from the home.
2. Exterior Waterproofing
An exterior waterproofing system is installed as described: the ground around the perimeter of the home is opened up and the foundation walls below are exposed. A collection of materials consisting of a waterproof membrane, drainboard, pipes, and stone aggregate are installed inside the opening around the foundation walls. Similar to an interior waterproofing system, this system makes for an impenetrable barrier between your valuable foundation and the moisture attempting to get in. (That is to say, an interior waterproofing system works to redirect accumulating water, but is not capable of preventing all moisture from reaching the basement.)
When considering the many different ways you can prepare your family home for a flooding emergency during Flood Safety Awareness Week, professional waterproofing solutions should rank near the top of the list! Long-term water damage that results from flooding lasts for many years after a flood strikes, making these solutions a foolproof investment!
To learn more about the best waterproofing service fit for your home from Basement Masters Waterproofing, give us a call. Take charge of increasing the quality of life of your family and home by requesting a no-hassle evaluation today!
