Did you know that 41 million Americans live within a flood zone?
If you’re one of the many Americans who are at risk, knowing how to maintain a flood-proof house is crucial.
Keep reading to learn 7 tips for flood proofing a house that can keep your loved ones and belongings safe all year round.
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Use a Sealant Whenever Possible
Lots of homes are built out of porous materials that absorb water.
If your home is at risk of flooding, you need to create a stronger barrier. Buying sealant for brick and concrete can help keep water out of your home.
Buy Flood Insurance
Even flood-proof houses aren’t immune to water damages.
Homeowners can take every precaution available, but nothing will protect your home better than flood insurance. If you live in an area that’s close to a large source of water, flood insurance is a must-have.
Upgrade Your Landscaping
One of the most clever flood-proof house ideas is to use Mother Nature to your advantage.
We can’t control the flow of water in most cases, but certain plants and outdoor surfaces can absorb water. Planting lots of shrubs and using gravel or brick for landscaping projects will improve your odds of surviving a flood with minimal or no damage.
Elevate Your Appliances
There are plenty of elevated house plans for flood zones, but some people can’t afford to give their entire house a makeover.
At a minimum, every homeowner should do their best to keep important appliances like boilers and air conditioning equipment away from the ground level. If you can’t move these appliances up one level, you could elevate them on a platform.
Repair Any Cracks or Holes
Does your home have any cracks or holes that are low to the ground?
If so, these are easy entry points for water. If you’re not sure how to inspect your home yourself, calling in a professional can help you detect any damage.
Inspect Your Roof
Most homeowners worry about water sneaking into their homes through the ground, but your roof could also compromise your barrier.
If you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall often, calling a roof inspector can give you peace of mind that there are no weaknesses. If there are, you have the foresight to get repairs before it’s too late.
Create a Sandbag Barrier When Floods Are a Risk
Flash floods are a dangerous threat because they don’t give homeowners much time to prepare.
If you do have advanced notice that flooding may occur, you can give your home an extra security boost by laying out sandbags. Creating a barrier that wraps around your entire home is ideal, but your most vulnerable spots are around doors and low windows.
These Tips for Flood Proofing a House Are Effective and Simple
If you follow these flood proofing house tips, you will keep your house in perfect condition all year round.
Do you want to learn other ways you can protect and improve your home? Explore our blog to find more helpful tips and guides.
