How to Protect Your Home Against Flooding
Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters, and it's also one the most damaging. Water damage from a flood can render a home unsuitable for habitation, and repairing water damage is costly and stressful. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help protect your home against flooding.
Know your risk
Do you live in a high flood risk area? Ask your insurance company if you can purchase a flood insurance policy. This can cover you in case of flood damage, whereas your homeowner's policy typically will not.
Be prepared
Flooding can happen at any time, in almost any home. In addition to flooding from outside sources like heavy rain or melting snow, your home could be flooded by frozen pipes that burst. Knowing which areas to focus on can help prevent water damage from affecting your home.
Keep an eye on your roof
Fix any leaks or cracks in your roof as soon as you find them. This will help prevent major water damage to the structure of your home as well as the property inside. It's also a good idea to have a roofer check your roof every year or so to make sure that there are no cracks or missing shingles which could let water into your home.
Keep gutters clear
Blocked gutters can cause water to back up under the overhang of your roof, forcing the water inside your home. They can also cause damage from ice buildup, if the water has nowhere to go. Clear your gutters in the spring and autumn to make sure that you aren't setting yourself up for a flooding disaster.
Watch your drains
If you have drains in your basement, keep an eye on them to make sure that they are draining properly. It's also a good idea to make sure you have a sump pump in your basement, and verify that it is working properly. In case of a flood, the pump could be your only defense against major water damage.
Flooding can be disastrous, but if you take a few precautions, you could just save yourself a lot of stress and money. Be prepared, so you can protect your home from flooding.
