10 Ways To Prevent Flooding

Thanks to climate change, we can expect the cost of flood damage to rise 26% in the next three decades.

And if you think you’re in a safe area, think again. Climate change is bringing unusual weather to various parts of the nation, putting almost all places at risk of flooding.

So don’t let disaster happen and catch you off-guard. The best course of action is to be proactive!

To protect your property, here are 10 ways to prevent flooding at your home or business.

1. Make a Rain Garden

Rain gardens are made of native plants, shrubs, and flowers, which means they’re better at handling local conditions. You’d plant these things in strategic areas; more specifically, in your yard’s small depressions.

Not only will this garden reduce runoff, but it’ll also beautify your property. Plus, it’ll attract wildlife, making the area more vibrant.

Also, consider adding a French drain. It’s a drain made of rock-filled channels that naturally direct water away from your property.

2. Create a Green Roof

You can create a green roof by putting plants on your roof. It functions in the same way that a rain garden does, in that it absorbs rainwater and helps with flooding.

Not only that, but it also reduces stormwater runoff. As a result, you’ll prevent sewer overflow. Other benefits of a green roof are that it removes nitrogen from rainwater and also neutralizes the acid rain effect.

A green roof can also add some color to your neighborhood!

3. Clean Your Gutters and Storm Drains

Throughout the year, dead leaves and other debris can fall into your gutters and build up. So make sure to check and clear them regularly. Otherwise, water can get backed up and get under the shingles and into the siding, causing water damage.

While you’re at it, you should also check the storm drains. These should always be free of debris. If you aren’t able to clear it yourself, then call the local water or sewer department.

4. Don’t Pile Things in Your Yard

Logically, you’d push things into a pile after cleaning up the yard, whether that’s leaves, mulch, or other debris. However, these can easily get into your sewage drains and back things up.

Instead of piling things up, put them into a trash bag right away and dispose of them correctly.

5. Install a Sump Pump

If you live in a high-risk zone for floods, then you should already have a sump pump. If not, then our flood prevention advice is to have one installed ASAP.

It’s even more necessary to install a sump pump if you have a basement. The sump pump removes water and keeps your basement dry, and removes water if it indeed floods. This can keep damage to a minimum.

Once it’s installed, check your sump pump regularly to ensure the battery’s still working. It’s a good idea to get a backup battery too; there are some sump pumps that have integrated ones.

6. Check Your Property’s Foundation

One of our top flood prevention tips is to perform a yearly property maintenance check. During it, you need to check the foundation thoroughly.

If you find any cracks, you’ll need to seal them right away. You can use mortar caulk or masonry.

Not only can these cracks let water in during heavy storms, but they can also encourage mold growth. So even if there’s no bad weather coming up, it’s still in your best interest to seal things up.

7. Seal Your Windows and Doors

Right now, you might not mind that small draft that comes through your windows and doors, especially when it’s hot. But come storm season, you’ll be in trouble. You can bet on water finding any small cracks to come into your home or business.

Take the time to examine every window and door carefully. Get some self-adhesive seal strips (which are affordable) and seal all entryways.

8. Get Flood Skirts and Barriers

For extra measure, attach flood skirts and barriers to your doors and windows. You can also use them on bricks if your property has them.

These items can be pricey, but they’ll be worth it when you protect everything inside your property.

9. Have Sandbags Close By

One of the most common flooding tips is to have sandbags at hand. If you notice local water levels rising, then it’s time to grab them.

The optimal way to use them is to pile them outside your home or business, along the perimeter. You can also put a few extra ones in front of your doors and windows to reinforce them.

10. Get Flood Insurance

No matter what you do, even the best flood prevention won’t stop every flood. To mitigate the damage that can come from the worst-case scenario, you should get flood insurance now.

Get a flood insurance quote online (or a few) to see what’s out there. That way, you can figure out what’s covered and how much you’ll pay.

This can give you peace of mind, knowing that no matter what happens, you won’t have to pay for everything yourself.

Put These 10 Ways to Prevent Flooding Into Place

With these 10 ways to prevent flooding, you’ll be set, even in the toughest of storms.

But even so, you need to be prepared for flooding to actually happen, as Mother Nature is unpredictable. So get yourself a good flood insurance policy now, before it’s too late.

Read more about caring for your property by browsing our blog page now.