Flooding is becoming a common event, and the damage it can cause to houses can range from minor to severe. As this natural calamity becomes more frequent and severe with climate change, protecting your home should be your priority.
When your home has a basement, it might end up soggy, and the repair costs can be high, especially if there’s significant damage.
If you don’t want to face costly water damage in your home after flooding occurs, there are several maintenance tasks you need to do to save considerable time and money in the long run. Here are several ways to flood-proof your home before the rainy season:
1. Inspect The Roof
One way to prepare for the rainy season is to check the condition of your roof. Any warped or worn shingles are likely to crack, allowing water to infiltrate your home. If you lack time to conduct a roof inspection, working with a professional roofer is an option to pinpoint any issues with your roof.
2. Clean The Gutters And Downspouts
The lowest part of your house is usually at risk for water damage, especially the basement or foundation. One way to prevent water from moving towards the foundation is with the help of gutters and downspouts, which capture water on the roof and transports it away from your house.
As fall arrives and the trees start to shed leaves, the gutters often end up with blockages from the debris. Always check the gutters and downspouts routinely for any damage and blockages at least two times a year.
3. Repair The Downspouts
Aside from the regular cleaning of the downspouts, they should get the necessary repairs or repositioning if they’re currently splattering water all over your home’s foundation.
The primary purpose of downspouts is to direct water away from the foundation. The downspouts should be at the right angle, but it’s likely to change over time. When it rains, check the flow of the water from the downspouts. If the water seems to move toward the foundation, call a professional to fix your downspouts.
4. Inspect The Drains
Aside from the gutters that require routine maintenance, you also need to check the drains regularly. When your home has external drains such as those on balconies, you should ensure they’re free of debris or blockage.
Although there’s no potential risk of damage to the foundation of your home, any blockage in the drains can increase the risk for water to back up and enter your home.
5. Waterproof Your Home
If you suspect water leaks through your walls, a professional will seal the interior walls with high-quality waterproof paint. It works by repelling water to minimize any leakage.
Today, this type of sealant is already pre-mixed and works the same way as applying a coat of paint by brushing or rolling to fill any surface holes where water might be trapped, creating a dry surface for another layer of coating.
If you want to ensure your home, primarily the basement stays flood-free, it’s best to call in a professional. When you work with a residential waterproofer with experience, they have the expertise, and you’ll have assurance knowing your home is safe during the rainy season.
6. Inspect For Leaks In The Window Wells
The window wells can be a usual source of water leaks in the basement since they tend to hold water due to poor plumbing systems.
Since the basement windows connect to the outdoors, water is likely to pool at the window base and eventually seep inside. Hire a professional who can fill in the cracks and waterproof the windows.
7. Apply Coatings And Sealants
If you want to keep out the water during the rainy season, you should consider applying coatings or sealants to the windows, walls, and doorways. Doing so will help keep the water from penetrating your home.
8. Invest In A Battery-Powered Sump Pump
A sump pump is an essential device if you’re living in a flood-prone area since it prevents flooding in your home. It works by pumping the water out to the outside and operates on electricity. When you have a battery-powered model, it’s a great solution, especially if there’s a frequent power outage in your area.
9. Install A Flood Sensor
If you want to be ready in case of flooding, you might want to get a flood sensor for your home. Most home security systems offer flood sensors as an add-on, so it’s best to check if your current provider offers it.
A flood sensor works by monitoring and detecting leaks before they can cause significant damage, helping you save on costly repairs for water damage.
10. Elevate Electrical Outlets, Switches, And Other Utilities In Your Home
All electrical equipment such as sockets, switches, wirings, and circuit breakers must be at least a foot above the usual flood level. Doing so will help lessen potential electrical damage in your home.
Aside from the electrical elements, you should also ensure all appliances in the lower level, such as generators, dryers, washing machines, or water heaters, are in an elevated position.
The essential utilities in your home, such as the furnace or air-conditioning units, are usually at the lowest level of your home, making them prone to flood damage.
If you want to keep them safe if there’s an incoming storm, it might be best to position them on higher ground, either by creating platforms or moving to another floor.
11. Make Adjustments To Your Yard
One way to lower the risk of flooding in your home is to consider making several changes in your yard.
One consideration is to grade the lawn away from your home. If your yard is tilting toward your home, the water will pool around it. In such cases, you need to use heavy soil containing clay and sand to regrade it, so any surface water flows away from the foundation.
12. Install A Backwater Valve
If you want to prevent the backing up of unsanitary water into your home, consider installing a backwater valve into your home’s sewage line. If the municipal system gets overloaded, it’ll come in handy to prevent contaminated water from backing up into your home.
Conclusion
When you’re living in a flood-prone area, it’s crucial to take the necessary measures to minimize the water damage to your home. With the help of these flood-proof measures such as waterproofing the basement, installing a backwater valve, or investing in a battery-operated pump sump, you can keep your home safe and save you from costly repairs.