- Heavy rains cause floods in the U.S., snow melts, and hurricanes, and their frequency increases due to climate change.
- Flooding can cause extensive property damage and health hazards such as mold growth and respiratory issues.
- Standard homeowner’s insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damage so separate flood insurance may be necessary.
- Flooding can also lead to displacement and emotional distress for the homeowner.
- To protect your home from floods, consider using natural barriers, elevating your home, and sealing the perimeter.
Flooding can be a very stressful experience for any homeowner. It is an unfortunate situation that can happen whether you live in a flood-prone area or not. When your home is flooded, it can cause a lot of damage to your property, cost you a lot of money, and even put the safety of your loved ones at risk. Here’s what you need to know about floods in the country and how you can deal with them.
Floods in the U.S.
Floods are a common natural disaster in the country. It’s estimated that floods occur almost daily in various states. The most common causes of floods are heavy rains, snow melts, and hurricanes. But with climate change, the number and intensity of extreme weather events are increasing and increasing the risk of flooding even more. Here’s how it can affect your home.
Property Damage
The first and most apparent reason flooding is a homeowner’s nightmare is the damage it can cause to your property. Floodwater can be destructive, damaging floors, walls, and furniture. The water can seep into the walls, causing mold and mildew to grow and making the walls unstable. This damage can be very expensive to repair, and in some cases, it may even be irreparable.
Health Hazards
Flooding can also pose several health hazards, especially if you or any members of your family have respiratory issues such as asthma. Floodwater can contain bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances that can cause infections, rashes, and other health problems. Mold and mildew can also grow in the damp conditions created by flooding. This can lead to respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and other health complications.
Insurance Struggles
Dealing with insurance companies can be a nightmare, but it is even worse when you have to file a flood damage claim. Flood damage is usually not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies, and you may need to purchase separate flood insurance to be covered. Even with flood insurance, the claims process can be difficult, with insurance companies often disputing the damages’ extent and the losses’ value.
Displacement
Flooding can often mean that you and your family must be displaced from your home for an extended period. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially if you have children or elderly family members. Displacement can also be costly, as you may need to find temporary accommodation and possibly even replace lost personal items.
Emotional Toll
Last but not least, flooding can have a significant emotional toll on homeowners. Seeing your home and personal belongings destroyed by water can be very upsetting, and the thought of repairing the damage can be overwhelming. In addition, the uncertainty of not knowing what to expect in the flood’s aftermath can be very stressful and can take a toll on your mental health.
Renovation Options to Protect Your Home Against Floods
Thankfully, you can renovate your home to be resistant to floods. Here are some ways you can do that.
Use Natural Barriers
Specific natural barriers can reduce the damage of floods in your home. If you don’t know how to set up natural barriers in your home, consider hiring a residential landscaping service can do it for you. They can set up barriers like levees and berms to divert water from your home.
Elevate Your Home
One of the most effective ways to protect your home against floods is to elevate it. Raising your home, even just a few feet can protect it from rising floodwaters. This can be achieved by adding a crawl space or basement foundation or raising the entire structure using stilts or piers.
Seal the Perimeter
Another way to protect your home from flooding is to seal the perimeter. This involves sealing any openings in the foundation, walls, and windows to prevent floodwaters from seeping in. Installing waterproof barriers around the foundation and using waterproof sealants on the walls can also be effective.
Create a Barrier
If elevating or sealing your home is not an option, creating a barrier around your property can help keep water out. A perimeter wall, fence, or berm can be constructed around your home to prevent floodwaters from entering. Building a small retaining wall around your home can also be effective.
Install Flood Vents
Flood vents are a great option for homes in high-risk flood zones. These vents allow water to flow through the foundation rather than against it, which reduces the pressure on your home and prevents structural damage. Flood vents are easy to install and can be added to existing homes.
Floods are a scary but, unfortunately, common natural disaster. Knowing how to prepare for and deal with flooding is essential for any homeowner. By following the tips above, you can protect your home from floods and minimize the damage they cause. Don’t hesitate to take preventive measures now to ensure your safety and that of your family in the future!