When you think of flooding, you might think of rivers flowing over their banks, or fields and streets covered in water. It’s an all-too-common sight. And while April showers certainly cause the majority of flooding here in the Midwest, the damage they cause isn’t so immediately apparent.
Frozen pipes, poor drainage, and the absence of a functional sump pump can all wreak havoc on your home over time. In bad circumstances, your home can fill with water days or even weeks after a flood.
Just one little inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage to a home, and that doesn’t include valuables that can be damaged by the water.
Here are some ways to plan ahead and keep your home safe.
1. Check Your Home Insurance Now
Even if you don’t live in an area with high flood risk, it’s worth it to review your home insurance to understand what type of coverage you have in the event of a flood.
Most home insurance policies do not include coverage for flooding. In fact, FEMA estimates that more than 20 percent of flood claims come from outside high-risk areas.
2. Provide a Path for Water from Roof to Gutter
A small gap in your shingles can lead to serious damage over time. After the shingles, you need to make sure your gutters are not blocked by leaves or other debris. Your gutters and downspouts are essential in getting the water away from the base of your house. Water that is allowed to pool near the foundation can lead to a leak in your basement.
Once the water has made it off of your house, it will be on the ground. Check the landscaping around your home to make sure water is flowing away from the house and not toward it. Trees and shrubs with aggressive roots can also cause pressure on the walls of your foundation and cause leaks.
3. Set Up Interior Defense
A sump pump will pump groundwater away from your home. If you’re buying or replacing a pump, choose one with a battery power option in the event that your home loses power (a common occurrence during storms and floods).
It also helps to cover your basement window wells with covers, which come in many standard or custom sizes. These will provide protection against heavy rain while directing water away from the foundation of your home.
In addition to mitigating water inside the home, it’s also important to consider what would happen to the belongings on the lower level.
Place large appliances such as your washer and dryer on pedestals. Other equipment such as air conditioners, water heaters, and electronics should be placed at least one foot above ground level using cinder blocks or other methods.
In addition to moving the equipment, also consider storing valuables or important documents on the upper level of your home.
In Your Time of Need, Call the Intek Team
Flood protection is a critical aspect of home ownership. Take some time to protect your home today.
And, if you’re ever caught with some unwanted water in your home, call the Intek team.
Our state-of-the-art technology and cleaning systems can help both your items and your home be restored. When the worst happens, you can count on Intek to be there.
