As the seasons change, so does the weather. As a homeowner, you want to prepare for the rainy season to reduce the risks of floods. Floods can damage your property and cause thousands of dollars in expenses. Average rainfall totals are rising each year in the U.S. Research shows a 90% increase in precipitation from 1950 to 2018, and numbers are likely to grow further. Rather than hope for the best, use this as a guide for planning before the bad weather hits.
Here are five ways to prevent flooding risks in the rainy season.
1. Inspect Foundation and Walls
The foundation supports your entire house, and with time it’s natural for things to wear away. Before the rainy season begins, inspect the walls and foundation of your home. Cracks may have started forming and will provide ample access for water to enter the structure and cause damage.
Depending on the type of issues you discover, you may be able to seal cracks using epoxy. You should contact a structural engineer or contractor for more extensive damage to receive expert advice on how to proceed. You should perform a walk through at least a month in advance, so you have ample time to make any repairs needed. By fixing any problems you find, you reduce the access points for water to seep into your home and flood the structure.
2. Clean and Repair Gutters
Gutters are easy to forget about as homeowners because they typically blend in with the house’s exterior! However, your gutters are unsung heroes during the rainy season. They collect the water that rushes off of the roof and direct it away from the house. Unless you live in an arid climate that rarely receives rain, gutters are an essential part of reducing flooding risks on your property.
It’s crucial to clean and inspect your gutters at least twice a year to remove debris and make repairs as needed. You need to maintain your system for them to function properly. If you wish to reduce the amount of waste that collects each year, consider purchasing gutter guards to attach.
3. Install a Sump Pump
Should water begin to collect on your property, owning a sump pump will be a major advantage for you. Sump pumps are installed in the lowest area of your house and will suck out water that accumulates. It helps to reduce mold, mildew and fungal growth and will help to keep the foundation intact. Check to see if your home already has one installed — it may simply require a basic maintenance check to get it working again.
Unless you are a handy home renovator, it’s best to hire a professional to install the system. While it may seem expensive, a sump pump can save you countless hours, tears and money by reducing the risks of flooding in your home. Sump pump styles vary, so consider your lifestyle and how the differences might affect you before deciding what to purchase.
4. Examine Drainage
Homeowners should inspect the drainage areas surrounding their property. Often the grates can become blocked by fallen leaves, sticks and other debris. When the drainage systems become clogged, water backs up and can make its way to your property.
Check them before and during the rainy season as storms are likely to knock waste into the storm drains.
5. Renovate the Landscape
Runoff water can cause erosion over time. One of the simplest ways to protect your property from flooding and damage is by using landscaping to your advantage. Swales, rain gardens and pervious paving are three of the best drainage systems to manage stormwater.
Examine your property and consider which method would work best for your yard. To gain the most benefits from this change, be sure to complete the landscaping before the rainy season begins. You can even implement several of these designs if you have space!
Wish for Blue Skies, but Plan for Gray
A good planner prepares for the worst, but hopes for the best. Using these five steps you can prepare your home to prevent flooding risks during the rainy season. Spend your time dancing in the rain, not cleaning up puddles.
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