Floods are extremely common in homes and can happen at any time and anywhere. No matter the season or where you live, you should always be prepared for that threat to occur. Floods can be extremely costly and dangerous as they can bring in different types of water damage. Water damage can cause mold to grow within the home which can be dangerous to your health. Because there is always a chance that a flood can happen to anyone, it’s important to flood-proof your home to protect yourself and your personal belongings.
Preventative actions can be taken both inside and outside of the home to fight against water from invading. By preparing, you are able to save money and protect your health and personal items.
One of the most important steps to take when preventing water damage is to ensure that your home is properly sealed. Caulk can be used to seal gaps that are present in floors, ceilings, windows, and door frames. Additionally, ensure that both the roof and basement are properly sealed so water cannot make it through. Coat the walls of the basement with a waterproofing compound as well to keep water from seeping through.
A sump pump is a great tool to install for times when your home happens to flood. It is installed in a shallow pit in the basement so that any water that makes it into the home will be driven back outdoors. Once the pit becomes full of water, it is pumped out of the home through pipes. Sump pumps are incredible tools for basements with any excess water and can potentially save homes from water damage.
Floods can occur from internal factors as well, such as sewer backups. To prevent water damage from floods such as this, you can install drain plugs on your basement floor for water to run through. Sewer backwater valves for all the pipes entering your home can be useful as well since they prevent contaminated water from entering your home through toilets, sinks, and other drains.
It is extremely important that there are proper devices installed outside of your home to allow for runoff and drainage. Gutters and downspouts are some of the main sources of doing this. Subsequently, the maintenance of these is very crucial for them to work the way they are intended to. They will need to be checked often to ensure they are not clogged. Additionally, they will need to be cleaned out at least twice a year, depending on the number of trees and other foliage around your home. Make sure that they are facing away from your home; if they are not facing the right way, the water runoff could seep into your foundation, causing a flood.
You will also need to elevate utilities and service equipment to prevent water damage and electrocution during a flood. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that electrical outlets are at least 1 foot above the estimated flood elevation in your area and raising air conditioning units and pool equipment above flood level.
Even in low-risk areas, floods can be a huge risk for anyone. It’s important to understand how to prevent these to lower the possibility of water damage to your home. Fortunately, even if floods do happen to infiltrate your home, Stretch Cleaning is always available to assist with water damage restoration. They will be able to bring your home back to its original state, taking the stress away that floods can bring.
