Did you know that since 2000, the frequency of annual floods in many parts of the US has gone up by 250%? What’s more, floods that only happen once every 100 years could now become a yearly occurrence!
Keep in mind that a flooded basement alone can cost as little as $500, but it can go up to a staggering $85,000. The cost largely depends on the type of floodwater, so toxic black water floods cost the most.
This is why, as early as now, you should get to know the best flooding prevention techniques. The sooner you implement these, the lower your risks of dealing with a water-damaged home.
Ready to learn how to protect your house from flooding? Then let’s dive right into it!
Make Sure You Have Flood Insurance
One of the best ways on how to prevent flooding from leaving you homeless is to get flood insurance. Most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding or flood damage. This is especially true for homes located within a high-risk flood zone.
However, you should still get flood coverage even if your home is outside of a high-risk area. 25% to 35% of all flood claims are for properties in low to moderate flood risk areas.
To search for flood coverage, use a comparison tool like Better Flood Insurance. Such online tools will help you quickly find flood coverage plans offered in your area. They’ll even help you calculate the cost of getting your home covered for flooding.
Choose the Right Flora to Plant In and Around Your Home
Plants, like shrubs, and ferns, as well as trees, establish their roots deep into the soil. As they dig deeper into the soil, they form spaces between the soil particles. These spaces can then act as a sort of drain line for rain or flood water.
Plants and trees also help the soil absorb more water while their roots help keep the soil intact. In this way, they help reduce the amount of water that can get into and flood your home. They also help prevent soil erosion that can destabilize the framework of your home.
Ensure That the Ground Nearest Your Home Slopes Away From It
The soil in your garden or lawn should gradually slope or grade away from your home. This will help rain or floodwater flow downward faster and away from your house.
Use Organic Mulch to Improve the Soil’s Absorbent Properties
Add organic mulch to the areas of your lawn that slope away from your house. Organic mulches allow water to infiltrate the soil more easily than inorganic mulches. As a result, the soil’s water-holding capacity also increases, which helps reduce flooding.
You can also add mulch to the sections of your lawn nearest your home. However, be sure that you place the mulch six inches away from the siding or exterior wall. Otherwise, the moisture in the mulch can wick onto and cause rotting on the exterior side of your home.
Apply Dry Flood-Proofing Materials to Your Home’s Exteriors
Sealants and coatings are great for flood-proofing house exteriors and foundations. These “dry flood-proofing methods” involve applying a waterproof material to an external surface. Their job is to seal a building and also resist water from seeping inside.
Aside from the exterior walls, you can also apply these coatings on windows and doorways. There are also watertight covers that you can install on your front or back doors as well as windows.
Always Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts in Tip-Top Condition
The primary role of gutters and downspouts is to direct rain and melting snow away from a building. Debris build-up, however, can clog them up, leading to overflows. In many cases, the overflowing water can seep straight into a home.
As such, one of the best ways on how to stop flooding is to ensure that these parts of your home are always clean and clear. Routinely remove accumulated dust, leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris. Not only will this lower indoor flooding risks but it’ll also help extend the life of your roof and driveway.
Speaking of downspouts, be sure that the runoff area that they connect to is also in great condition. Clogged runoffs will do little to direct water away from your home once the water hits the ground.
Install a Drainage System Near Your Driveway
Melted snow, rain, and floodwater moves faster on paved driveways. Without adequate drainage, the water can quickly move into your home.
Adding drainage near the driveway is one way to prevent this from happening. You can also start with something less expensive, such as installing channel drains.
Consider Getting a Sump Pump Installed
The most recent studies found that flood plains in the US house at least 3.8 million homes. These are homes that really need a sump pump. Sump pumps are devices that pump water out of a building and into a storm drain or another location.
As mentioned above though, flooding has become more common, even in low-risk areas. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider getting a sump pump as part of your home flood prevention plan. Especially if your basement has already flooded before.
You should also consider investing in a sump pump if you live in an area that has had an increase in rain or snowfall. These include many parts of the Northeast, Midwest, and Great Plains. Much of the 4% increase in yearly precipitation from 1901 to 2015 occurred in these areas.
Implement These Strategies for Flooding Prevention Now
There you have it, your ultimate list of flooding prevention techniques. It’s important that you implement as many as of these as possible, and the sooner, the better. This way, you have more time to prepare against Mother Nature’s increasing mood swings.
Ready for more tips to build a safer, healthier home? Then don’t forget to check out the rest of the posts filed under the Home Remodel and Home Repair section!
