If you live in a flood-prone area, flooding damage is often preventable with the help of some simple precautions. These can include the installation of a Sump pump, elevating your home on stilts, and draining floodwater from your home. Other precautions include regular landscaping and securing your valuables.
Sump Pumps
A sump pump is a great way to prevent flood damage Brunswick, but it should be maintained properly to ensure it functions efficiently. It should be checked for damage or abnormalities annually and cleaned. You should also install a high-water alarm or backup pump if necessary. You should also ensure the sump basin’s water level is above the pump’s float.
There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. Pedestal pumps are most commonly used in narrow sump pits but are not very powerful. Submersible pumps are more powerful and run silently. Both pumps use a ball float to activate when the water rises.
Raising Your Home On Stilts.
Raising your home on stilts is an excellent way to protect your property from flood damage. It can also save you money on insurance. However, raising your home above the flood level costs around $13,000 to $20,000. It may be necessary to hire professionals to help you with this project.
In addition to the cost of elevating your home, you’ll need to secure building permits and hire an architect to make necessary alterations. Building permits can cost up to $6,000, and architects charge around $100 to $250 per hour.
Draining Floodwater
One of the best ways to avoid flood damage is to properly drain floodwater from your home. A well-functioning gutter system will catch rainwater and direct it away from your property. But if your gutters become clogged, the water can get into your home and damage your foundation. To avoid this, make sure your gutters are free from debris. Also, install gutter extension pipes and make sure your drain spouts are protected. If you are concerned that your gutters might not function properly, you can install smart water sensors.
Regular Landscaping
If you live in a flood-prone area, regular landscaping around the perimeter of your home can prevent your yard from flooding. This is an important precaution because flooding in a yard can cause water damage to your house, including basement flooding. The best time to implement flood-resistant landscaping techniques is during the spring and summer. You can also consult a flood map to determine which areas of your property are more at risk for flooding. Another way to prevent flood damage is to add permeable hardscapes to your property. For example, you can install semi-permeable asphalt, which looks normal but allows water to pass through. You can also install porous paving stones, which have gaps between them.
Avoiding Puddles After A Flood
It’s important to avoid puddles after a flood, even if they look small. Driving through a puddle will expose your car’s engine to water, which can damage your engine and cause it to fail. You should also avoid driving through water that is too deep. This is especially true if the road is washed out, and you don’t want to expose your car to the water’s currents.
Floodwaters are often contaminated with chemicals or sewage. If you aren’t sure whether a flood has caused damage, listen to local radio stations or NOAA radio for updates. If you evacuate your home, get a permit from local authorities and don’t walk through floodwaters.
Restoring Your Home After A Flood
You can take several steps to restore your home after a flood to prevent further damage. The first step is to remove any water deposited on your property. This can be done using a sump pump, wet vacuum, or mop. However, be careful not to remove too much water at once since this can cause your walls to buckle.
