Floodwaters can leave a surprising amount of devastating damage in its wake. Not only can the water damage your walls, floors, and furniture … floodwaters may contain oil, gasoline, raw sewage, or any number of undesirable materials. And mold, which can start growing within 24 hours after flooding, can cause serious illnesses. Cleaning up after flood damage can become a nightmare. If you live in a flood-prone area, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for any threat of potential flooding through specific flood-proofing steps. With the right precautions, you can keep your house safe from flood damage. Here are four flood proofing tips to protect your home.
Flood Proofing Sandbags
Sandbags provide a classic, relatively inexpensive way to protect your home. Sand will absorb floodwater and help block it from entering your house. When you barricade your walls with sandbags, you’ll divert the flow of water around the home. You don’t have to wait until the last minute to buy sandbags for flood proofing. In fact, it’s best to be prepared ahead of time. Look for sandbags that were made especially for flooding. Any other type of sandbag won’t provide much help.
Plastic Membranes
Plastic sheeting provides another way to flood proof. In high flood-risk areas, you can find and purchase large plastic sheets that can be wrapped around the outside of the house before a flood. This method works best for predicted floods, as it takes time and effort to install or wrap the sheeting around the house. As with sandbags, keep in mind that plastic membranes are a temporary solution. They cannot remain on the house very long because prolonged exposure to the elements will cut down on the membrane’s effectiveness.
Lift Moveable Items
Before a flood hits, you’ll want to protect the items inside your home. First, unplug any electric items to prevent electric shock. Next, move any moveable items from the basement or first floor upstairs. You can lift heavier items onto blocks or boxes. Any items that you can’t move can be protected with a plastic sheet covering, like the type mentioned previously.
Elevate Your House
The best flood proofing measure you can take is to elevate your house. When you live in a flood zone or an area that is prone to flooding, home elevation will give you the permanent, long-term protection you need. With the home elevation process, the house will be separated from the existing foundation and lifted so a new or extended foundation can be built. Elevation will keep the living areas out of the way of future flood waters.
If you need to protect your home from the threat of flooding and flood damage, Devooght House Lifters is ready to help. Our experts will safely elevate your home to give you the best in flood proofing and peace of mind. Don’t wait to protect your home. Contact us today.