BLOG

Four Steps To Prevent Basement Flooding Risks

Four Steps To Prevent Basement Flooding Risks

The tragic hurricane damage which recently afflicted residents of the Gulf Coast and many areas of Florida and the Caribbean demonstrate the potential for flooding to cause devastating personal and property losses. The storm systems produced widespread disruption. Yet some experts recommend all homeowners residing in dwellings with basements should consider taking steps to prepare for possible flooding risks, even in areas outside frequent flood zones. Four simple precautions may help households address this issue more effectively:

Basement Flooding

1. Monitor Your House for Signs of Basement Flooding

One element which contributed to the severity of the recent hurricane damage related to the widespread nature of the natural disaster. Many residential neighborhoods suffered extensive flooding. In fact, cases occurred in which water surged over dwellings located well outside designated flood zones. The situation suggests real estate owners with basements cannot afford to discount the risk of flooding even when their property does not sit within locations known to have sustained flood damage in the past.

A recently reported study conducted under the auspices of Texas A&M University at Galveston and Rice University intimated some maps utilized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) displayed a very poor track record in predicting flood plains. Researchers contended the agency failed to correctly predict three quarters of the flood damage which transpired in some suburban parts of Houston, Texas during a decade-long period ending in 2009. While generalizing on the basis of a limited academic study may do a disservice to the federal agency, it remains important for homeowners to remember many different causes potentially contribute to flood situations.

In addition to coastal floods precipitated by storms or tsunamis, flooding may occur as a result of swollen rivers, unexpectedly heavy rains, necessary yet unanticipated discharges to prevent dam ruptures, municipal water line breaks, and even household plumbing accidents. The bottom line for homeowners: you need to monitor your basement waterproofing to better safeguard your residence against flooding hazards. Don’t assume you will never have to contend with a flooded basement simply because your dwelling remains outside a known flood plain. A waterproofing expert can suggest effective ways to monitor moisture levels in basements and cellars.

2. Review Basement Storage

Since gravity will force water to drain from higher places to lower elevations, experts recommend utilizing basement storage cautiously. For instance, given the choice between stacking stored household belongings on the basement floor or on elevated shelves, selecting raised storage sites generally offers better security. Many households do utilize basements for storage purposes in lieu of renting self-storage units; however, if flooding appears imminent, you’ll probably want to relocate items to safer locations, if possible. Belongings you place in the basement face a greater risk of sustaining flood damage.

Additionally, by using a waterproof and fireproof home safe to store valuable documents, photos, or fragile items, you’ll enhance the chance these possessions survive a catastrophe. Today manufacturers have developed a wide array of personal safes. Many carry laboratory-issued safety ratings attesting to their ability to withstand listed hazards.

3. Address Known Basement Flooding Problems

Experts recommend considering risks from basement flooding prior to taking extended absences from residential property. For instance, if you plan to split your year between a summer residence in North Carolina and a winter home in a warmer location, review the flood risks in each dwelling. Taking a few common sense measures may increase your ability to mitigate flood losses:

  • In colder locations, minimize the risks of water damage from burst pipes by asking a plumber to shut off the water supply into your home. The plumber should also drain remaining water from the pipes and fixtures and correctly turn off the hot water heater or boiler ;
  • Hire a reputable caretaker service to help maintain your gutters, downspouts and grounds during your absence to promote adequate water drainage; instruct your caretaker to board up your windows and doors before tropical storm emergencies occur, if possible;
  • Ask a trusted local person, preferably a close neighbor, to check on the condition of your property promptly if you do suspect leaks or flooding.

4. Consult Regularly With a Waterproofing Firm

Periodically reviewing preventative steps you might take to mitigate basement water damage helps manage some risks. For example, while not a permanent solution, today specialized waterproofing paints and membranes offers assistance in certain situations. Applying these coatings to low-lying foundations and basement walls may prove helpful in some (but certainly not all) situations.

Prepare for basement flooding in advance, if possible. Floods usually occur unexpectedly and these catastrophes frequently prove unavoidable and overwhelming. Yet planning sometimes helps mitigate personal property losses.

Basement Flooding 101: Why It Happens and How You Can Get Help

Basement Flooding 101: Why It Happens and How You Can Get Help

If you own a basement in Raleigh, then you may be familiar with the way that they tend to leak. While basements are designed to withstand a significant amount of force, the materials they are made of seldom are designed to protect against leaks.

Let’s take an in-depth look at why your basement might leak, and what you can do to repair and protect against future basement flooding.

Basement Flooding Wet Basement Waterproof Basements

Why Do Basements Leak?

Basements are generally constructed using concrete, mortar or another type of rock-based cement. This material should be strong enough to withstand the force of dirt pressing inward against it while providing a solid foundation for the remainder of your home’s structure.

The problem with these materials is that they become brittle by design. They contract when they dry, which is why rebar and other materials are integrated within them for reinforcement.

While most of these cracks should remain unseen or harmless, some can allow water to seep into your home.

Other sources of leaks include:

Drainage from improperly sealed basement windows.
Splash-up water that sneaks between the foundation and your house’s first floor.
Poor yard drainage that allows water to pool around your basement.
Failure to address leaks that become progressively worse over time.

How Can a Leaky Basement Be Fixed?

Leaky basements can be addressed in three major ways:

Water can be diverted away from the basement. Yard drainage will often help with this. French drains may be employed around the foundation of the property to carry water away.
Cracks and damage should be repaired and sealed. Crack injections using an epoxy-based filler are the most common ways to repair cracks, but more drastic measures may be needed if the damage has progressed.
Water that drains vertically should be diverted underneath the basement. Blocks can be fitted outside the basement and a drain can be added below the basement floor to divert water away from the foundation.

The cost and involvement of these measures will vary depending upon the system required to keep water away from the basement. Smaller basements may require fixing damage and minor water diversion, but larger basements may require a more comprehensive system to ensure that the basement is waterproof.

Is a Leaky Basement Something You Should Be Concerned About?

While a few small leaks may seem like a minor nuisance, the thing to understand about leaks is that they tend to grow larger. Running water erodes the concrete and other materials designed to keep your basement watertight.

Without repairing these issues, water can wear down your basement’s structure until you have serious structural issues. Winter freezes in Raleigh can make these issues progress even further due to the way water expands as it becomes a solid.

The bottom line is that any basement leak should be repaired to prevent future problems.

Waterproof Your Foundation, Home and Basement

If your basement leaks, then let the experts as Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc fix it. We can employ our years of experience and cutting-edge techniques to ensure that water stays out of your home.

Learn more about our basement waterproofing services today.