10 Smart Strategies for Improving Your Home in A Flood Zone

Living in a flood-prone area can be stressful. The threat of flooding, and the potential damage to your home and belongings, is always looming in the back of your mind. But with proper preparation, you can make improvements to your home that will help protect it from flooding.

From elevating appliances to installing sump pumps and waterproofing basements, there are many strategies to ensure that your home is ready for any floods that may come its way.

Here are 10 smart strategies for improving your home in a flood zone.

Install Floodproof Drywall

Replacing your existing drywall with Floodproof Drywall is a great way to protect your home from flooding.

Normal drywall is not designed to withstand water, damaging easily when exposed to water of any kind. Floodproof drywall is designed to resist moisture and can be installed quickly and easily.

Elevate Appliances

Did you know that elevating your appliances off the ground and out of potential floodwaters can help protect them from damage?

If possible, move refrigerators, washing machines, and other large appliances up onto platforms or cabinets to keep them safe.

Install Sump Pumps

Installing a sump pump by contacting sump pump services Kingston in your basement or crawl space can help remove water from the area quickly.

Making this home improvement allows you to be proactive in pumping out floodwater before they have the chance to cause too much devastation.

Waterproof Your Basement

More households are beginning to waterproof their basements, even if they’re not in a flood-prone area. However, this is especially important for homes located in a region where flooding is likely.

You can do this yourself with sealants and other waterproofing products or hire a professional to do the job for you.

Replace Doors and Windows

There are many benefits to replacing your doors and windows. Not only can it protect against flooding, but it can also reduce energy costs and increase the value of your home.

Newer materials are often more resilient to winds and water, so replacing old or worn doors and windows with newer ones is a great way to prepare your home for any weather-related issues.

Install Flood Vents

For those of you who are susceptible to torrential rain, flooding vents can make a huge difference in keeping your home safe. Flood vents are designed to help reduce the amount of water that enters your basement or crawl space during a flood event.

These vents open automatically when the water rises above a certain level and allow for an increased flow of water which helps to prevent flooding damage from building up inside your home.

Improve Drainage

Sufficient drainage is important for any home, but it is especially important in a flood-prone area. You can improve drainage by installing gutters and downspouts, grading the yard so water runs away from your home, or even by planting rain gardens.

This will help keep water away from your foundation and reduce the likelihood of flooding. Additionally, make sure any existing drainage systems are functioning properly and are not blocked or clogged. Regular maintenance is key for proper drainage.

Install Storm Shutters

When weather is unpredictable, err on the side of caution and install storm shutters for extra protection. Storm shutters are considered one of the most effective ways to protect your home from flooding, as they provide an additional layer of defense against water and wind damage.

Storm shutters come in many styles, including clear panels, corrugated plastic sheets, or heavy-duty aluminum panels that are designed to fit the openings of your home. You can also opt for motorized storm shutters, which allow you to deploy them remotely in the event of an emergency.

Plant Trees

A simple yet effective way of combating the effects of flooding is to plant trees around your home. Trees absorb and store water, reducing runoff from heavy rains. Additionally, their roots help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion in areas prone to flooding.

Planting a few trees can also provide shade, helping to keep homes cool during hot summer months.

Get Flood Insurance

Finally, investing in flood insurance is of the utmost importance if you live in a flood-prone area. Not only does it provide financial protection for your home and belongings, but it can also give you peace of mind that if worst comes to worst, you’ll be able to rebuild after an event.

Flood insurance is required by lenders if your property is located in a high-risk zone, but it’s always a good idea to purchase coverage no matter where you live.

Conclusion

When it comes to home improvement projects in flood-prone areas, there are a number of options that can help protect your property and loved ones.

By following the tips above, and with careful planning and implementation of your chosen preventative measures, you can rest assured your homes will be better protected against future flooding events.