Heavy rainfall and flooding can cause significant water damage to homes. When it comes to natural disasters, flooding is one of the costliest to repair. Therefore, it’s crucial for homeowners to understand how to prepare for flooding in their home. That being said, buildings have an average lifespan of about 100 years. Unless you live in a historical structure with upkeep issues or have updates that are not up to code, the likelihood of having a flood-proof home is reasonably high. To help you understand how to prepare for flooding in your home, Community Public Adjusters compiled several helpful tips and tricks.
Use dehumidifiers to dry out the home
If you have a basement or crawl space flooded with water, you’ll need to use dehumidifiers to remove the water as quickly as possible. Experts recommend using 45-pint dehumidifiers for every 1,500 square feet of space. This will help reduce the amount of structural damage caused by water. When dehumidifiers are used in combination with fans, they can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to remove water from your flooded basement. When it comes to purchasing dehumidifiers, make sure you buy high quality units to prevent them from breaking down quickly when they’re needed most. You can use these dehumidifiers for years, but you may need more than one if the flooding is extensive.
Check your foundation for cracks and holes
As the water recedes, you should check your foundation for cracks or holes. This could be caused by soil shifting since it’s higher than the water. You can also check for leaks in the water line that can contribute to a weakened foundation. Foundation repair costs vary by region, but a typical foundation repair can cost between $16,000 and $18,000 on average. This is why it is crucial for homeowners to carefully inspect the foundation for any signs of damage. You can use a flashlight and a mirror to carefully inspect the foundation. If you find any holes or cracks, have them repaired as soon as possible.
Install a sump pump
A sump pump is an important piece of equipment to have in your home. In fact, it is highly recommended that homeowners with a lower level or basement install a sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to protect your home from minor flooding by moving water away from the basement. They also protect your home from mold and rot caused by standing water. Depending on the size of your home and the extent of the flooding, a sump pump may or may not provide enough protection against water damage. If you’re unsure about the best sump pump for your home, consult a professional.
Get a professional estimate for repairs
As water recedes from your home, you’ll likely see a pattern of water damage in the form of discoloration and mold growth. To determine the extent of the damage, you should hire a professional for an estimate. It is important to get an estimate from several contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price. It’s also important to check a contractor’s credentials. You can do this by contacting your local Better Business Bureau to find out if they have any unresolved complaints against them. When it comes to dealing with damage from flooding, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to have your home inspected and repaired, the more damage will occur. In some cases, waiting too long to repair the damage can even cause the structure of the home to fail completely.
Conclusion
When it comes to natural disasters, flooding is one of the costliest to repair. Luckily, there are several ways you can prepare for flooding in your home. You can use dehumidifiers to remove water from the home as quickly as possible. You can also check your foundation for cracks and holes. Install a sump pump to protect your home from flooding. Finally, get a professional estimate for repairs to determine the extent of the damage. When you understand how to prepare for flooding in your home, you can reduce the amount of structural damage caused by water. This will also allow you to reduce the amount of time it takes to repair the damage.
Community Public Adjusters specializes in homeowners and business insurance claim representation. Our public adjusters and property loss consultants work diligently to make sure you get the maximum possible settlement from the insurance company regarding your insurance claim.
We offer claim representation services on a contingency basis, if we do not collect any funds for you, we do not get paid at all. Community Public Adjusters have expert knowledge of how the insurance claim process works. We work with you on every step of the claims process.
We represent home and business owners and have vast experience with the following types of claims
- Fire and smoke damage claims
- Water damage claims
- Flood damage claims
- Theft and vandalism damage claims
- Snow and ice damage claims
- Building collapse claims
- Wind and hail damage claims
- Catastrophic damage claims
- Roof leaks
- Blown off shingles & siding
- All plumbing leaks
- Toilet overflow
- Burst Pipes
- Frozen Pipes