Flooding and water damage can cost you a lot of money, weaken your home’s foundation, and undermine the value of your home. Learn how to inspect your home for vulnerable spots and keep all that moisture from seeping into your home before it is too late and they start calling you Shrek because you live in a swamp.
It is fairly simple to prevent flooding and keep water out of your basement. You don’t have to create a moat or any significant foundation repairs or construction. It’s all about diverting water from your home’s foundation and sealing points of entry.
How to Prevent Flooding:
- Check your basement for leaks and cracks. Go around the inside of your basement and check for leaks and cracks. There may already be water leakage stains on the walls or near windows. It shouldn’t be too hard to find the areas in your basement that leak water. For cracks smaller than a 1/4 inch, use weatherproof caulk. For any leaks or cracks larger than 1/4 inch, use expandable foam spray. If you have any extra expandable foam spray left over, you may want to check out ThisOldHouse’s list of 10 Uses for Foam Spray.
- If you find a leak that requires more than a caulking job, contact a professional right away to get it fixed.
- Check your windows for rotting wood or disintegration near the frame. You may want to invest in a more waterproof material like aluminum or vinyl to prevent flooding through your windows.
- While you are down there, look for signs of mold. Here is a good how-to Check for Mold.
- Check your foundation for leaks and cracks. This time, you’ll want to step outside and do an inspection of your foundation’s perimeter. Same as above, for cracks smaller than 1/4 inch, use weatherproof caulk; for those larger, use expandable foam spray. For most small cracks and leaks, a good caulking job will fix the problem; however, other repairs will require the work of a professional. Watch this video for sealing exterior leaks around your home:
- Inspect your downspouts and gutters for proper water diversion. It is important to make sure the water moves away from your foundation when it comes down from your downspout. You want the water to be released at least 4 feet away from your home.
- You can purchase flexible extensions, a splash block, or a folding extender (just remember to put it back down before it rains). This is essential for preventing flooding and reducing foundation damage.
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts. Before and after the fall season, you should inspect and clean your gutters to prevent any leaves or other debris from blocking the flow of water. Also check for leaks in your downspouts and gutters.
- The blocked up and leaking water can run down your home’s siding, causing damage and ultimately entering your basement/foundation. You may need to do some repairs or replace your gutter and downspout system entirely.
- Check your sump pump. If you don’t know what a sump pump is, a sump pump is a device that pumps out any water that has accumulated in your basement. The pump directs the water into a subsidiary drain that travels away and downhill from your home to prevent flooding.
- If you have a sump pump, check it every six months and make sure it has access to power. If you don’t have a sump pump, consider investing in one to prevent basement flooding.
If you have any further questions on how to prevent flooding in your home, talk to the licensed, trained technicians at Boulden Brothers. Visit us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ or give us a call at (302) 368-3848 for more information on maintaining a safe and efficient home. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you might have.
