One of the biggest causes of foundation damage in homes is flooding. Whether it’s caused by heavy rains, overflowing rivers, poor drainage, or a burst pipe, flooding can cause untold devastation to your property. 37% of US homeowners have suffered severe losses from flood damage, and this risk is even greater if you live in an area prone to flooding.
It will ruin your furniture and possessions, cause irreversible damage to your electrical system, and completely disrupt your life, but the most disastrous consequence is foundation damage. Prolonged exposure to flood waters can cause severe structural problems within your home’s foundations, such as large cracks, settling, or shifting. If unchecked, this can be extremely costly to repair.
To avoid spending unnecessary time and money on resolving these problems, your best bet is to take steps to avoid them in the first place. By being proactive about flood risk and equipping yourself with the tools to protect your home in the event of an emergency, you will avoid the harmful consequences of foundation damage.
Also prefer drain gullies that are designed to allow waste and stormwater to pass through easily but stop bad odours and rodents from escaping from out of the drains.
Here are five tips to prevent flood water from damaging your foundations.
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Improve drainage
Foundation damage can sometimes be caused by a flooded sewage system. This risk can easily be mitigated by installing the correct valves in your pipes. Gate valves or check valves will prevent sewage from backing up into your home.
Apply a flood-proof coating
Applying flood-proof sealants and coatings to your property will help to seal up any cracks through which floodwater might be able to enter. You can apply this to the foundations of your home, as well as the seams between walls, windows, and doorways.
Upgrade drainage
If a flood does occur, the extent of the damage will be determined by the quality of the drainage in and around your home. Poor drainage means that any flood water that enters your home will pool higher and linger around for longer, causing even more damage. And there are many ways to avoid this. Foundation vents will provide a channel for the water to flow through your home, keeping it away from foundations and other important areas. A sump pump can enhance this by actively pumping water out of flooded areas before it has a chance to cause irreversible damage.
Adjust your gutters
The gutters and drainpipes around your home are designed to collect water and divert it away from your property. But if your downspouts are pointed in the wrong direction, they could be having the opposite effect. Regularly inspect your downspouts to ensure they haven’t shifted and are pointing away from your home.
Landscape your garden
If you have a garden that slopes towards your house, rainwater will always flow towards it, leading to pooling. Although a costly and time-intensive process, it may be necessary to enlist the services of a landscaper to realign your backyard.
If your home has been damaged by floodwaters, find out how Pinnacle Foundation Repair can help you recover and prevent future risk.