CNBC reported that flooding had cost nearly $75 billion in the past three decades. It can be triggered in several ways, such as flash floods and storm surges. Although many companies offer flood service, you can take measures to minimize flood damage.
Restoration expenses can be steep, especially if you do not have flood insurance. Let us say that you have a 2,500-square-foot home. If you suffer a six-inch flood, it will likely equate to $53,000 worth of damage.
The cost can be even higher. It would depend on the actual damage, the value of the local real estate market, and other factors, such as replacement costs.
You might be hesitant to take flood service and insurance seriously because you are far from a water source. But it would be best that you remembered that you do not have to live near the coastline or a river to experience a flood, especially with the threat posed by climate change. Continue reading this article to learn more about these preventive measures.
Inspect Your Drainage System
Floodwater causes extensive damage to your home’s interior and exterior. A broken drainage system often drives it. To prevent any problem, you should keep your gutters clear. Doing this regularly will ensure that waters will freely flow.
You should also check for gaps or leaks in your gutter. Besides that, you should see if the downspout diverts at least four feet away from the foundation. Most importantly, the soil within three feet of your home slopes away from the structure.
Properly installed gutters will ensure your home is protected from the dangers of excessive rainfall. Attach a good-quality leaf guard to your downspout. We will highlight the importance of cleaning your gutters regularly. Doing all these will prevent drainage issues and flooding issues.
Check Your Foundation
As mentioned earlier, the soil surrounding your house should slope away from your home. But this is not enough to protect your foundation. Flood service companies suggest a regular inspection.
Remember that floodwater can easily seep into your home. It can come from cracks in your foundation, so you must seal the outside of your foundation and fix all cracks. If there is a need, you should ask for professional help from a structural engineer.
You can protect your home by installing waterproofing materials all over your foundation. It would be best that they are at least eight inches thick. Add extra damp-proof membrane or fill materials around the outside perimeter of the basement walls.
Have a Sump Pump
Many homeowners near coastlines and rivers have a sump pump. This equipment removes water collected in a basin, usually installed in a basement or crawlspace. Having one prevents mold and mildew growth.
You can hire a plumber to help you with it. If you want to save money for disaster prevention, purchase an automatic sump pump that operates independently. This type of pump regularly pumps water out of the basin. It will continue doing so without your manual intervention.
Conclusion
A flood can affect anyone, anytime, but you can always have a plan to deal with them. As you can see, these are essential for your safety and damage control. Most importantly, do not forget to have your insurance policy updated so you can have an easier time when disaster strikes.
If you still need flood service after all the preventive measures you have taken, you should reach out to Restoration Masters. We can help you restore your home from water damage or fire. Call us now for more information!
