Natural disasters like floods may seem rare, but they can strike in urban areas just as easily as in the countryside. Runoff from buildings, parking lots, or streets can overwhelm city sewers, leading to flooding that might even back up sewage into your basement. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to weatherize your home against floods, safeguarding your property and minimizing damage.
Check Flood Zones and Prepare in Advance
Each area has a designated flood level, which you can easily check online. FEMA’s website provides a Flood Map Service where you can input your address to determine whether your home is in a flood zone. A bit of research up front can help you avoid significant problems later on.
Raise Electrical and Climate Systems
One of the most straightforward but often overlooked ways to weatherize your home against floods is raising your electrical and climate systems. Ensure these systems, as well as any outdoor equipment such as air conditioners and generators, are elevated at least one foot above the expected flood level. Keeping a generator at ground level during a flood can lead to water damage and leave you without electricity, so it’s important to anchor and raise these devices.
Install a Sewage Water Backstop
Sewage backup is a serious concern in flood-prone areas. To prevent wastewater from entering your basement during a flood, consider installing a sewage water backstop. Although it’s more cost-effective to install one during home construction, retrofitting an existing home with one is still worth the investment, often costing around $1,000 or more. Without this installation, the damage from sewage flooding could cost much more in the long run.
Maintain Eavestroughs and Downspouts
Another step in weatherizing your home against floods is maintaining your eavestroughs and downspouts. Clean them out at least twice a year to ensure proper drainage, especially before heavy rain or flood season. If these systems become clogged, water may overflow onto your roof and eventually seep into your home. Adding extensions to your downspouts can help direct water further away from your foundation, reducing the risk of damage.
Seal Cracks and Holes in Your Foundation
It’s also important to inspect your home for cracks or holes in your foundation. Even small gaps can allow water to enter and contribute to mold buildup in your basement over time. Vinyl concrete patching can be used to seal foundation cracks, while silicon caulk can seal leaks in your eavestroughs and downspouts, helping to keep water from infiltrating your home.
Install a Sump Pump for Flood Control
Consider installing a sump pump as part of your flood control measures. A sump pump works by collecting water in a shallow pit in your basement, which is then pumped outside through tubing. Not all sump pumps are created equal, so make sure you choose one that suits the size of your home and ensure it’s properly powered to handle potential water flow.
Get Flood Insurance
In addition to these preventive steps, securing flood insurance is a must. Many homeowners assume that their standard home insurance policy covers floods, but this is often not the case. After a flood, many homeowners are shocked to learn they don’t have the coverage they thought they did. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s essential to get flood insurance to protect your property.
Consider Relocating to a Low-Flood-Risk Area
If you find yourself repeatedly dealing with the damage caused by flooding and feel that your home is constantly at risk, relocating to a low-flood-risk area may be the best long-term solution. While this may seem drastic, it can ultimately save you money and stress, providing peace of mind in the future. Taking steps to weatherize your home against floods is an investment in protecting your property and your family, and it’s worth considering all options to minimize the risk.
