With Spring on the Horizon, Flood Prevention Season is Upon Us!
It is hard to believe that the holidays are behind us, and more importantly, that spring will soon be ushering in. Springtime is a perfect time for home maintenance, and more specifically, for homeowners to think about flood prevention. Flooding is one of those quiet risks that most people don’t think about until it is suddenly very loud and expensive. The good news is that homeowners can take steps to minimize the risk and stress of a flooding incident. These are the smartest, most cost-effective, and easiest flood-prevention steps for you to take for a seamless spring shower season.
Start with Water Management Around Your Home
Most flooding starts outside of your home before it makes its way indoors. The best way to prevent flood risk is by ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are clean and in working order. Gutters and downspouts work by moving running water away from the foundation of your home, but they can’t work at all if they are clogged, cracked, or damaged. Always keep gutters clean so that they can guide rainwater away from your home, where it can pool and lead to water erosion, flooding, and structural damage. Also, make sure that the storm drains and ditches near your property are working properly to handle an influx of rainwater.
Seal the Places Where Water Can Sneak in
Water is always looking for a tiny entrance to make its way in. Walk around the perimeter of your home to inspect for cracks, holes, and leaks. Seal foundation leaks with appropriate waterproofing sealants to prevent water from seeping in. Also, install window well covers around any basement windows to insulate them from leaking. Lastly, check and seal around doors, vents, and utility penetrations to keep rainwater where it belongs — outdoors.
Install Flood-Control Systems
When it comes to home maintenance, prevention is always the cheapest solution. If you have areas of your home that are flood-prone, mechanical defenses are critical. If you have a sump pump, make sure that it has a battery or water-powered backup in case you lose power during a storm. Also, consider installing a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during flooding conditions. French drains or perimeter drains are an excellent way to redirect groundwater. Lastly, consider rain barrels or dry well installations to reduce runoff overload. As a homeowner, you are probably not looking to create expenses, but prevention is always a better choice than repairing and cleaning up after the fact! Backup power is the key to eliminating the risk of flooding.
Elevate and Protect What You Value
It isn’t possible to elevate your entire home, but you can safeguard those things you value most. Raise HVAC units, water heaters, and electrical panels so that if the unimaginable happens, you are covered. Also, store valuables off the floor or in waterproof containers, especially in areas that are underground, like crawlspaces and basements. Lastly, use flood-resistant materials, such as tile, concrete, or closed-cell insulation, in any lower-level areas of your home. Placing your valuable items in more secure locations can save you tens of thousands in damages.
Be Strategic With Landscaping
Landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics! Your yard can either be an asset or a detriment, depending on the amount of flood planning. Always use permeable pavers instead of solid concrete for easier absorption of floodwater. Add rain gardens to absorb excess water around the perimeter of your home. Lastly, avoid planting water-hungry plants near the foundation, and build small berms or swales to redirect water runoff. Before you devise a landscaping plan, plan ahead for flooding possibilities.
Know Your Risks and Insure Against it!
Even if you do all that you can to prevent the risk of flooding, nature will always win. Even the most foolproof plan is foolish if you don’t insure for the worst. Always check your flood zone designation, as it changes and alters over time. No risk in the past might become risky if you aren’t keeping your eye on the ball. Also, add flood insurance to your homeowner’s policy. Standard policies don’t cover flooding, which is a dirty little secret most find out only after a flood. Lastly, create a flood response plan and emergency supply kit. Everyone complains about the expense of insurance, until it prevents the expense of paying for a catastrophe out of pocket.
Spring is upon us, which is why now is a perfect time to plan for spring showers and flood risks. The best insurance policy for your home is prevention. A flood prevention strategy involves redirecting water, blocking entry points, managing pressure, and always planning for the worst and hoping for the best. If you take steps now to prevent flooding, April showers will only bring May flowers, not flooding headaches. If the worst does happen, and you are the victim of a flooding incident, contact us immediately to reduce the stress and headaches.
