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How to Flood Proof Your Home in 6 Steps | Restoration
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to watch out for issues that can create flood-like conditions and cause water damage to your home, such as burst pipes or sewage backups.
Suffolk County commonly experiences flooding due to natural causes such as heavy rainfall, coastal storm surges, and river or creek overflows. These events can dramatically increase water levels, leading to water intrusion in no time.
Fortunately, you can start protecting your property from these water-related emergencies by learning how to flood-proof your home. This guide provides six practical steps to help keep your sanctuary safe and dry.
How To Flood Proof Your Home: 6 Steps To Protect Your House From Flooding
1. Install Water Sensors or Flood Detection Systems
Installing water sensors and comprehensive flood detection systems can alert you to the first signs of unwanted water and give you enough time to respond.
Water sensors are small, typically battery-operated devices designed to detect water where it shouldn’t be present. They’re best placed in high-risk areas such as basements, near sump pumps, under sinks, and near water heaters, where water damage commonly starts.
Meanwhile, flood detection systems offer more thorough flood protection. These systems sound an alarm and can send alerts to your smartphone, allowing you to take immediate action even when you’re away.
2. Check Your Roof and Gutters
Have your roof inspected for missing, damaged, or worn shingles, which can allow water to seep into your home. You should also ensure that gutters and downspouts are debris-free like leaves and twigs. Blockages can prevent proper water flow, potentially causing water to back up and enter your home through the roof, walls, or foundation.
3. Regularly Test Your Sump Pump
A sump pump is your basement’s best friend, especially during a storm. You want to ensure it’s in working order when needed.
Fortunately, testing your sump pump is fairly straightforward. Trigger the pump by slowly pouring water into the sump pit. Listen for irregular sounds and check if the water is being expelled correctly. If not, have your unit repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
4. Improve Grading and Drainage Around the Home
The layout of your property can significantly influence how well it handles rainwater, potentially reducing the risk of a house flood. The ground should slope downward from your home to guide water away from the foundation.
On the other hand, implementing drainage solutions like French drains or permeable pavers helps water infiltrate the ground evenly. This reduces the likelihood of water pooling around your building and seeping into your home.
5. Install Flood Barriers and Shields
Flood barriers and shields can help safeguard your home when water levels rise by fortifying its entry points, such as doors, windows, and garages.
Your temporary options include quick-deploy flood fences or water-inflated barriers that can be set up in anticipation of a storm and removed afterward. For more permanent solutions, floodwalls can be constructed to protect your home against high water levels.
6. Keep Sandbags Nearby
While technological advancements have brought about sophisticated waterproofing systems, sandbags remain helpful. They offer a low-cost, practical, readily available resource for diverting water from your home.
Keep a stack of sandbags at a convenient location. When a storm is forecasted, place them around vulnerable areas, such as doorways, low windows, and basement entrances. Remember to lay them in an overlapping pattern to create a sturdy barrier.
Dealing With a Flooded House: Immediate Steps To Take
Learning how to flood proof a house is crucial in safeguarding your home, but it’s equally critical to understand what to do after facing a flood. Should the worst happen and you find yourself dealing with a house flood, here are the immediate steps to take:
- Ensure everyone’s safety. Before entering a flooded room or area, check for structural damage and potential hazards like gas leaks or electrical issues. However, it’s still best to avoid contact with floodwater, as it may be contaminated.
- Document the damage. Before discarding or moving anything, take photos and videos of all affected areas for insurance claims. This documentation is crucial for processing claims and receiving adequate compensation.
- Get assistance from the professionals. Seek the help of your local water damage restoration experts immediately. They have the expertise and equipment to handle extensive water damage, ensure thorough drying, and prevent mold.
Let Restoration 1 of Suffolk County Help You Through a Smooth Recovery
Taking proactive measures to flood proof your home is essential to mitigate the risk of water damage. However, despite your best efforts, floods may still occur, leaving significant damage in their wake.
If your home floods, you can rest assured that Restoration 1 of Suffolk County will be with you as soon as possible to start the cleanup process. We understand the tremendous stress and emotional toll a flooded home can cause, so we strive to respond at a moment’s notice and offer effective, efficient service.
Call us today, and let our local Restoration 1 team help you navigate this challenging time.
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