Flood-Proofing A House in Indiana?

Preparing the Outside of Your House

Whether the home you want to protect from flooding is a new build or an existing home, there are some ways the outside of your property can help with flood prevention and avoid the need for water damage cleanup.

New Builds

When building a new home in a flood-prone area, elevation and location are your best defenses. Ensure your home is built on high ground, away from river channels and shorelines. Local building codes often require new homes to be raised above specific flood levels.

Landscaping is another crucial tool. Properly grade your yard to direct water away from your house and foundation. Incorporate plants, trees, and shrubs to absorb rainwater and minimize runoff. Mature trees and group plantings are especially effective due to their extensive root systems. Even if your home isn’t in a high-risk flood zone, smart landscaping can help prevent water damage.

Existing Homes

Following the same landscaping recommendations for homes that are already built can ensure the exterior of your house will be the first line of defense against flooding. There are also some important exterior property maintenance tasks that should be done regularly to deter water from leaking into your home:

• Windows and doors: Check for cracks and gaps and seal them. Remember to check the weatherstripping regularly on both because it can warp or deteriorate over time. 
• Roof: Inspect your roof for missing or broken shingles. If you are worried or suspect any problems, contact a qualified roofing company to conduct a full roof inspection. Take care of any roofing issues right away.
• Downspouts and Gutters: Ensure downspouts, gutters, and gutter guards are free of debris and aimed away from the house, so water can drain easily and be directed away from the foundation of your home. Add downspout extensions if water is pooling right next to your foundation.

Preparing the Inside of Your House

Flood-proofing the interior of a house is largely about minimizing the damage that can be caused if or when flooding occurs. Whether you’re concerned about new construction or an existing house, you can prepare the inside of your home to handle a flood situation in several ways.

New Build Interiors

Elevate essential utilities like furnaces, water heaters, electrical systems, and other mechanical units onto sturdy platforms made of masonry, concrete, or pressure-treated lumber. Aim for a height of at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation (BFE).

Installing a sump pump is a smart move, especially if you’ve experienced basement flooding in the past. But why wait? For new builds, a sump pump is a proactive investment that can prevent future basement flooding.

Existing Home Interiors

For existing homes, there are still some effective ways to minimize flood damage when flooding does occur:

• Flooring: Replace carpeting with tiles.
• Reseal and waterproof the basement: Over time, cracks can develop in foundations or floor slabs, which can allow water to start leaking into a previously dry basement. Even cement floors and walls can deteriorate!
• Inspect appliances: Appliances are a common culprit of plumbing-related floods. Inspect your appliances regularly to ensure there are no cracks or leaks. Check the hoses and supply lines of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers, and any other appliances connected to water. 
• Travel considerations: If you plan to be away, shut off the water supply while you’re on vacation. If someone is staying at your home, be sure they know how to shut off the main water supply in case of emergency.

Additional Steps When a Flood Is Imminent

• Securing yard items: If a flood is anticipated, secure items in the yard (benches, sheds, grills, etc.) in advance.
• Prevention measures: If you have been warned of a flood event, sandbag barriers and boarding up your home can be effective preventative measures to manage flooding. In a crisis, this will help to keep flood water out of your house.

A few last flood preparedness tips: you can lift the furniture off the floor to protect it as much as possible. Pack items in waterproof bins and place them on shelving that’s off the floor. Store any important items or documents off-site.

You’re Flooded. Now What?

Flooding can strike even the most prepared homeowner. But don’t worry, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is here to help you get your home back to normal. Our water damage restoration experts are trained to handle flood situations, equipped with the right tools and knowledge to restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

Our team is fully vetted, IICRC-certified, and insured, ensuring you’re in safe hands. We assess each property individually to determine the best restoration solution. Depending on the source of the flood, there may be contaminants that require special handling. Our teams are trained and prepared to tackle any flood and water damage situation you encounter.

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