The Top 5 Flood proofing Tips

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Rain garden in Kaneville, IL

Five Ways To Avoid Flood Damage

Floods can cause thousands of dollars of damage to building materials and contents. Here are five of the best ways to avoid the worst consequences of flood damage, promote flood safety, and make a residence in Kaneville, IL, more flood-proof.

1. Elevate Essential Systems
Raise electrical, HVAC, and other essential appliances above flood level. These components can be adjusted upward on lower floors or moved to a higher floor to significantly reduce risks of damage and electrocution.
2. Take Dry Floodproofing Measures
Dry floodproofing involves making doors and windows more watertight and applying membranes or sealants to walls to discourage seepage. These measures can reduce the amount of flood water that enters a residence, limit the extent of water damage cleanup, and promote flood safety.
3. Take Wet Floodproofing Measures
Wet floodproofing measures require more extensive remodeling. A crawl space can be redesigned to allow flood water to pass under some homes without pooling. Other techniques include the use of flood-resistant building materials and specialized equipment such as flood vents.
4. Install Sewage Backup Prevention
There are several ways to discourage backups. A backflow prevention valve permits sewage to go out but does not allow a return flow of wastewater. Plumbing professionals may also recommend measures such as an air gap, barometric loop, or vacuum breaker.
5. Strategically Adjust the Landscaping
It may be possible to modify the grade or slope of the land surrounding a home or add features such as swales or rain gardens. Consult with landscaping professionals to determine the best way to stop water from accumulating around the base of a structure.
Even after implementing these safety tips, flood water may still enter a residence in Kaneville, IL. Standing water can damage building materials, contaminate contents, and pose flood safety risks. Reduce the out-of-pocket cost of restoration by maintaining flood insurance and sewer backup coverage.