Flooding can occur at any time, especially in the Spring when storms are frequent and can lead to severe water damage throughout your home or business. Whether it’s because of a powerful storm or a burst pipe, floods cause financial loss as well as mental anguish. Now, you may say there is no way to completely protect your property from flooding, and you’re right, however there are ways to reduce the chances of flooding and diminish its impact.
I’m Chris Parks with North Star Services, LLC and I’m going to explain how to diminish the threat of flooding and protect your property from damage.
Flood Risks and Water Damage
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), water damage from floods is one of the most common and costly hazards in the U.S. How common? Recent statistics by the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) cite a 1 in 4 chance of flood in high-risk areas over the course of the average 30-year mortgage. Sadly, for many home and business owners, losses due to water damage from flood are not covered under your typical insurance policy.
Leaky Roofs & Foundation Cracks
Many home or business owners first notice signs of a leaky roof or foundation from inside the house or business. Of course, the most obvious sign would be water dripping from the ceiling or pooling on the floor when it rains.
Both should be repaired as fast as possible to prevent water damage and mold growth. For extra protection against water, a rubber roof underlayment may be installed. Foundation cracks can be closed with hydraulic cement or masonry caulk that expands and completely fills gaps.
Check the Flood Level of Your Property
For those in Tennessee, the State of Tennessee Strategic Technology Services (STS) - Geographic Information System (GIS) provides the following website for searching and displaying property ownership and location of flood hazard information. The website is available for 85 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. If your county is not listed on this website, please visit your county’s website to obtain your local property information. https://tnmap.tn.gov/assessment/
From this information, you will be able to take necessary precautions and actions.
Protect the Electrical and Climate Systems
To achieve this, the wiring, sockets, circuit breakers and switches should be raised at least 16 inches above the property’s flood level. Many cities have building codes that determine proper height within their jurisdiction, so it is always best to check with your local government before any work is begun.
Elevating Electrical Equipment Above Flood Level
Your property’s furnace, water heater, AC unit(s), generators and fuel tanks should also be raised above flood level.
Interior & Exterior Backflow Valves
All pipes entering the home or business should be installed with interior and exterior backflow valves to automatically prevent sewage from backing up into the property.
Water Drainage & Grading Solutions
The ground around your property should slope away from the foundation. If it doesn’t, there is a strong likelihood of water seeping into your basement or crawl space. Drainage lines can also be installed to move the water away from the house into a drain. If the street in front of your property drains improperly after it rains, you should consult your local environmental services department for a solution.
Sump Pump to the Rescue
Every basement should have a battery-operated sump pump to quickly drain floodwater. Sump pumps are designed to move water from your basement out of your home or business. The pump is equipped with valves that sense escalating water levels or pressure. When the water gets too high, sump pumps automatically pump excess water out of the basement and away from your property using a discharge line.
Many cities have building codes that determine where your sump pump can drain, so it is always best to check with your local government.
Other Solutions to Consider
There is a myriad of other solutions to consider as you go about protecting your home or business:
o Applying sealing materials to exterior walls
o Raising the home columns or piers above the flood level
o Installing foundation vents that allow water to flow through the building
Request A Free Inspection Today
Is your home or property prepared for flooding or Spring water damage? Have you recently experienced a flood? As a certified IICRC restoration and remediation company in Nashville, Berry Hill & throughout Middle Tennessee, North Star Services, LLC uses state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and treat both commercial and residential properties. We provide free mold and other restoration inspections. And, are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergencies such as water damage, fire damage, trauma cleanup, flood and storm damage and more. Contact us at 629-221-0638 or request a free estimate now.
Commentaires