5 min read
A basement flood can cause damage to your possessions while threatening the structural integrity of your home. Even with the proper precautions to waterproof your home from the usual storms and floods in your area, occurrences like leaks, property damage, and unmaintained areas in your home can make it easy for water to creep into your basement and cause extensive damage.
Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent basement flood damage. Once you’ve pinpointed the risky areas that can make your basement vulnerable to flooding, you can take steps to prevent basement floods from occurring on your property.
Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts
These fixtures are responsible for directing rainwater from your roof and at least three feet away from your home’s foundation. However, if these fixtures aren’t maintained properly, they’re prone to clogging, resulting in the gutters overflowing with water instead of going down the downspout properly. This makes your gutters ineffective and can lead water closer to your foundation, which can eventually be the cause of basement flooding.
Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year. However, if you have plenty of trees around your home, consider having them cleaned more regularly. Maintaining your gutters can allow them to function effectively during rains and storms and prevent water from flooding your basement. It’s also useful to consider extending downspouts and installing troughs as an added measure to keep water away from your home.
Check for Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can happen due to several issues around your home. These can include:
- Subpar foundation construction
- Water drainage issues and broken gutters
- Plumbing leaks
- Soil type, compaction, and soil condition
- Hot weather
- Earthquakes
- Roots from nearby large trees
When left unchecked, these cracks can easily direct rainwater downwards to the basement. Smaller cracks can be fixed with epoxy and sealants, but larger cracks may require an inspection from professionals.
Install Window Well Covers
Like any other window in your home, your basement windows can be prone to wear and tear. Unfortunately, the window height can leave your basement windows prone to leaking, especially during storms.
The best solution for this is to install window well covers and ensure they’re attached to the foundation around the basement window to prevent leaking. This fixture allows light to enter your basement, but it will keep out rain, pests, and other debris that can reach your home during rainy weather.
Invest in a Sump Pump
Having a sump pump in your home can be an added layer of protection to your property, especially for your basement during seasons when storms are frequent. It may be an additional cost to purchase and have professionals install it, but it could well be what saves your property from flooding. If you decide to get a sump pump, it’s best to have a professional determine the lowest part of your basement and have it installed there.
When it rains heavily, the excess groundwater will be funneled from your property’s soil down to the sump pump. When the water reaches a certain level, your sump pump activates and drains it away from your home. This can potentially stop flooding around your property, but make sure to have it maintained to prevent clogging and malfunctions. You may also need a backup generator as the pump needs electricity to function.
Ensure Your Landscape Is Functional
You can make your front and backyard aesthetically pleasing while still having a functional element that prevents your basement from flooding. If you want to make your landscape functional, have a professional add these features to your yards:
- Slope your yard away from your property, as sloping towards your house can direct water towards it.
- Create a rain garden, which is a basin in your yard where the soil, sand, and compost keep water in a designated area and slowly ease water back into the ground.
- Create a swale, which is a small indention on your lawn that can divert rain away.
- Add heavier mulch around your yard to absorb rainwater better. If you have flower beds near the walls of your home, make sure there are at least six inches of space between your walls and your landscaping to prevent leaking.
Trust Restoration 1 of Suffolk County to Restore Basement Flood Damage in Your Home
These are all useful ways to protect your home from flooding the next time heavy rains pour on your home. Basement flood damage can result in severe property damage, loss of possessions, and leaving your basement unusable until you can drain the water out. Fortunately, you can get your basement restored to its previous condition with the help of Restoration 1 of Suffolk County.
At Restoration 1, our team of experienced technicians understands the risks of a flooded basement. Leave it to us to restore your home and belongings, and recommend steps to prevent another flood from affecting your basement the next time a storm hits. Contact Restoration 1 in Suffolk County.
