Unfortunately, heavy downpours, rising water levels, and even faulty plumbing can cause flood damage to your home or business. While we are experts in cleaning and restoring water-damaged properties, we recognise that – where possible – prevention is the ultimate cure.
That’s why it’s so important to take steps to prevent flooding from happening in the first place.
Taking some precautions to plan for the worst can minimise the risk and extent of damage if your property floods.
We have devised eight methods to prevent flooding and protect your property from water damage.
The Best Methods To Prevent Flooding And Water Damage
1. Install Watertight Flood Shield Barriers
If you live in an area at risk of flooding, flood shields are a must. You can install these barriers around doors, windows, and ventilation shafts to prevent water from entering your home or business.
There are several different types of flood barriers, including:
- Traditional Cofferdams: these utilise sheet metal, wood, cement, or filler materials to create a temporary flood barrier
- Sandbags
- Inflatable Bladder Dams
- Metal Flood Barriers
If you want to find out more information about these, our experts will be more than happy to help. You can find our contact details below.
2. Install Backflow Prevention Valves
Backflow flood prevention valves stop floodwater from flowing back into your property through the drains.
These valves are typically installed in flood-prone areas where utility and sewer lines connect to your property.
Still, they can be used in any home or business as an extra layer of protection.
3. Direct Downspouts Away from Your Property
Downspouts are pipes which carry water from your roof to the ground.
Suppose pipes are not directed away from your property. In that case, water can pool around your foundation and seep into your home or business.
This is a simple yet effective way to help prevent flooding from excessive rainfall.
4. Create a Flood Disaster Plan
No matter how well you prepare, there’s still a chance that your property could flood.
That’s why it’s so important to have a flood disaster plan in place.
Your plan should include where you’ll go if you must evacuate, how you’ll communicate with loved ones, and what you’ll do to protect your property. By having a plan in place, you’ll be better prepared to deal with the aftermath of a flood.
5. Purchase Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is a must-have if you live in an area at risk of flooding.
But, even if you don’t live in an area at risk of flooding, flood insurance gives you reassurance knowing you’re protected if the worst happens.
6. Build Watertight Walls and Floors
If you are building a business or home or renovating an existing one, use watertight materials for the walls and floors.
This will help to prevent floodwater from damaging your property.
7. Keep Your Property Elevated
If your property is in a floodplain, it’s essential to keep it elevated.
You elevate your property by building it on stilts or piers or elevating the first floor of your home or business.
The further your property is from the ground, the less damage it is likely to suffer in the event of a flood.
8. Install Backup Pumps
If your property is prone to flooding, backup pumps can help to remove floodwater from your property. These pumps should be installed in a safe location above the floodwater level and connected to a power source that will continue to work even if the power goes out.
Nobody wants to deal with flood damage, but it’s essential to be prepared. By using these flood avoidance techniques and other flood prevention methods, you can be ready for the worst and minimise the damage if your property floods.
Summary
Flood water damage can be devastating.
Not only can it be costly, but it can also destroy treasured possessions.
Vinci Response specialises in flood damage clean-up and restoration services. But prevention is often the best way to ensure flood damage is minimal.
If you have concerns about floods happening to your property, reach out to us at 03335 772 996 or email us at [email protected], and we’ll be glad to assist you!
