The risk of flooding to your home is largely dependent on the region of the country in which you live and the manner in which the home you own was built. It is your job as a homeowner to properly assess this threat and take the necessary precautions to minimize the damage a flood can do to your home. Fortunately, there are a number of methods available to help you with this goal.
Lawn Grading
The landscaping of your home will either help to protect your home from flooding or contribute to the possibility of a flood taking place at your residence. You can determine which one of these scenarios fits your present situation by first taking a walk to an outer boundary of your property. Pay close attention to the direction of the ground slope when you look toward your home. It is a sign of trouble if the ground slopes toward your home to even a small degree. Excavating your yard comes with many other benefits besides protecting your home from floodwaters. You will likely have healthier grass and plants while needing to perform less maintenance on your lawn when it is properly graded.
Get an Elevation Certificate
Do you have an elevation certificate (EC) for your property? This is an essential step in getting flood insurance to protect your home in case of a worst case scenario. This document verifies your property’s elevation relative to the estimated height that floodwaters may reach in your location in the event of a flood. These certificates also help your insurer determine the correct insurance premium cost and ensure community floodplain management ordinance compliance.
Seal Cracks in Your Foundation
Mortar and masonry caulk can be used to close minor cracks in your foundation. Homeowners have also experienced success in solving this problem with a small amount of hydraulic cement. These solutions are inexpensive and should hold you until you are able to make more extensive repairs to your foundation. If the problem of water flowing into these cracks is a continuing occurrence, it is time for a more extensive solution now.
The damage a large amount of water can due to the interior of a home is immeasurable. The safety of your home and family from the ravages of a flood is not something you want to leave to fate. The tips above represent three great ways you can take a proactive approach at protecting your home from flooding.
Learn about the options you have for your property by contacting the flood experts at Harris Insurance today!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
