Making Your Home Flood Proof
Approximately 90 percent of all natural disasters that have been declared in the United States have had to do with flooding. 2015 has already seen some severe floods occurring in states such as California and Texas and as the effects of the El Nino weather system become more widespread; these floods are expected to continue even into the winter months. While the federal government offers some insurance protection against flooding, it might pay to be more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to preparing for flooding and reducing flood damages.
So if you are living in the U.S., which is a flood prone area in its entirety, and you have little or no flood-proofing protection, here are a few ways to protect your home and property from the ever-increasing threat of flood damage.
Facing the wet to keep your home dry
While it is impossible to prepare for every eventuality that a natural disaster can bring, wet flood-proofing your home can give you some advantage in reducing structural damage. In wet flood-proofing, water is allowed to enter the home in uninhabited areas such as garages and basements, many times through vents installed in the walls of the foundation. The vents must measure at least 1 square inch per square foot of the floor area inside the home. The estimated cost of getting this done is between $2.20 and $17 per square foot at a depth of 2.4 meters.
Wet flood-proofing your home does not change the appearance of the home and during a flood it can help to reduce the damage to the house by allowing equal pressure between the waters outside and that inside the home. It is also important to check the regulations that may be applicable for those who have accessed National Flood Insurance. Also pay attention to the building codes in your area and get a licensed contractor to complete the work for you.
Waterproofing
The addition of waterproof veneers and bricks to the exterior of the house can also help to protect the home, especially from shallow flood waters. The materials that are used must be chosen wisely as some of those that are water resistant are also difficult to dry out if they become saturated. Taking this alternative to flood-proofing will also require adjustments inside the house to make the walls more moisture-resistant as well. Be prepared to pay as much as $10 per square foot of exterior wall. Reinforcing weak entry points such as garage doors and installing doors that open outward can also be helpful.
Bear in mind that this type of flood-proofing does not protect against flooding that may occur inside the house from such issues as sump pump failures or even an over-filled bathtub. To help protect from both kinds of flooding, it may be prudent to get moisture-resistant and mold-resistant flooring, furnishings and insulation to make flood damage cleanup easier.
For more information on flood damage prevention and clean up, contact a company like All American Repair Services Inc.
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