As we welcome the oncoming of spring, the weather begins to improve, the layers of clothing decrease and the salt stains start to fade away; not all of the winter has gone yet.
What are we talking about? Well floodwater, naturally. Some areas of the region experience a significant amount of flooding and results can be extremely unpleasant. Best thing to do is be prepared!
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the current flood status. Up to date information for Ontario is available here. You don’t want to get caught off guard. Floods can be devastating to your home, your personal property and your pocketbook. And keep in mind some insurance companies have revised their flood policies based on an increased number of claims in past years.
Here are some tips to flood proofing your home, and keep you dry.
- If your home has a sump pump we recommend that you check it regularly to make sure that it is in good working order. A broken sump pump will not give warning.
- If you are using mulch make sure it is not resting against the siding of your home. Wet mulch can cause your home’s siding to rot which may result in a leaky foundation.
- Check if you have backwater (check) valves, and consider installing them if you don’t. This one is a bit more invasive, and will require a professional. Backwater valves prevent backed up sewage water from entering the home. Click here to learn more about backwater valves.
- Check your foundations for cracks. Previous flooding, among other things, may have caused damage to your foundation. Water seeping may encourage existing cracks to expand, compounding the problem.
No one whats to experience a wet basement, we get that. That’s why we believe prevention is key. If you see an issue with any of the above-mentioned tips, it’s best to act swiftly and get the professionals in if necessary. It may seem like everything is ok for now, but when the water starts flowing, it’s going to be too little too late.
-P
