Water damage can lead to expensive repairs, and during summer-like climates, homeowners are at greater risk for flash flooding. If your home has a basement, it’s subject to some heavy water damage during Florida’s rainy season (which usually starts in May and runs through October).
We share six quick basement flood prevention tips that will help you keep your home’s basement dry all season long.
Cover Window Wells
If your home’s basement has below-grade windows, you should cover them. This is especially important if you have newer windows. Covers effectively keep groundwater out of your basement.
Change Up Your Landscaping
To ensure rainwater seeps into the ground and doesn’t travel toward your basement, grade your lawn—and add absorbent mulch. You’ll need to know how water flows around your home; if you notice standing water, dig depressions or slopes that will channel rainwater away from it.
Additionally, you’ll want to move mulch away from your siding. When the mulch around your home becomes wet, your siding rots. Finally, if necessary, remove trees that are too close to your home. Their roots can damage your foundation, which keeps your home dry during inclement weather.
Elevate Your Home
Raising your home on columns or piers will ensure the lowest level of your home is above the flood level. Don’t forget to check the inside of your home. Be sure you raise all appliances and electronics off the floor by a few inches. This way help keep them out of harm’s way.
Keep Equipment Clean
Basement flood prevention begins with clean equipment. Once you clean your home’s systems, such as its gutters and sump pump, make sure you regularly check to see if everything is operating smoothly.
Repair Leaks Right Away
Take care of any leaks in your pipes, roof, or windows, the moment you notice them. Although leaks seem small at first, they contribute to flooding. For example, window wells can fill up quickly during heavy rainfall, and this water can make its way into your basement through even the smallest crack.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Many insurance policies don’t necessarily cover flood damage, you might want to think about upgrading your coverage. To ensure floodwater doesn’t affect your home, buy a separate flood insurance policy. Even if you technically live outside of a flood zone, you should still have enough coverage to cover the contents of your home. You never know when torrential downpours will hit!
We encourage you to keep these basement flood prevention tips in your back pocket. It’s never too early to protect your home from natural disasters—be proactive, and prep for future storms now.
