There are several external factors that affect the state of a home, and one is the location. It dictates the kind of climate and weather that residents will experience. It also entails the natural disasters that could come.
Flooding is one of them. The damage that this brings is devastating, no matter the gravity. It can cause mold and mildew, which can lead to further devastation if not treated immediately. In extreme cases, it can even cause real-time physical destruction to homes.
It’s possible to prevent these from happening with the use of waterproof techniques. However, there are circumstances when even these methods prove useless in the face of floods. In the event that happens, here’s how homeowners can deal with the aftermath.
Contact the Insurance Company
Anyone living in areas prone to flooding should have flood insurance on top of the regular homeowners’ insurance. This policy covers any dwelling loss experienced in the face of water damage caused by floods. Know which types of damages are covered by insurance. Then, assess the loss and make a claim.
Consider Renovations and Waterproofing
While waiting to hear from the insurance company, get started on the cleaning and drying process on your home. Once your property is completely dry, get a spore test done. This is to ensure that the air quality inside your home won’t be detrimental to your family’s health.
Now, without any flood residue in the way, the damage incurred becomes more obvious. This will help you figure out if you need a partial or complete renovation. In some cases, it’s best to go for a complete one. This will help you better fortify your house against potential disasters.
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Walls
When it comes to waterproofing your property, the first thing to consider is your exterior walls. This is your house’s first line of defense against outdoor elements. You should note, though, that the waterproofing process is done while the wall is still in its concrete stay to allow the waterproofing material to soak into the walls.
As for permanent fixtures, your windows and doors should be strengthened against the weather, too. If you live in Salt Lake City, Utah, for example, consider getting new windows meant for colder climates, like double glazed variations. Like the walls, you can have your windows and main doors waterproofed, as well.
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Basement
The basement is part of the house’s foundation. It’s also the one likely to incur the most damage when it floods. To ensure that it can stand the test of time and natural elements, you should look into installing quality sump pumps and french drains. Both installations will stop water from building up in the basement and crawl spaces.
Waterproofing your home is one of the best ways to prepare for the future. Those who have experienced floods should understand how grave it can be. In this case, it’s best to spend a bit of sum now to fortify your home, rather than pay for extras that the insurance won’t cover if your house does get damaged in a flood.
