Headed into a spring rainy season, and out of a winter stormy one, the balance between melting snow and future rain is tenuous! Even if you’re not in an area that gets snow and ice, the monsoon times of Spring and Fall in the US are often also flooding season for basements and crawl spaces. Many households suffer from water damage, and it’s important to prevent as much as possible. What can you do in advance to prevent flooding in your home?
Landscape Your Yard
Proper landscaping does indeed affect the flooding of your yard! You want to make sure your yard grade is as level as possible, and not sloping towards the house, where water will deposit and run down into your foundation or basement. Use local plants and do not over landscape your yard—some areas of the world are not supposed to look like French gardens, because it’s not healthy for the environment there! Protect your home by having shrubs and other landscaping at least eighteen inches away from your foundation, and check to make sure it stays that way.
Clean Your Gutters
If your gutters get waterlogged, that water will pour over close to your foundation and likely right into your basement. To prevent this, of course, your gutters need to be well maintained and cleaned. Consider adding screens to keep debris from being inside your gutters, as well. As always, safety is paramount. You should always wear rubber shoes when working on your roof to prevent slipping. Make sure you are physically able to do this work, and, if not, find a great handyman who can help.
Evaluate Your Risk
It’s important to evaluate your overall risk of flooding, and then take more drastic steps if necessary. Having a family protection plan is always a good safety idea. FEMA releases maps that are color graded to tell you if your house is built in an area that has complications. Most flooding in residential neighborhoods is comparatively rare, but knowledge of your flood zone can help you make good preparations.
Your home is both special and important, and protecting it is also. Being aware of the risk factors for small moisture issues is important and knowing about the potential for larger ones is also important. Protecting your home and family is easier when you have all of the information you need!
Read this next: How to Protect Your Car Without a Garage
