6 Ways to Protect your Home from Floods and Water Damage

6 Ways to Protect your Home from Floods Storms on the horizon? Rainy weather can be threatening, especially to those that live within flood zones. Damage from flooding — or even heavy rain — can include everything from increased risk of mold and mildew to structural and electrical damage. While accidents can sometimes happen no matter what precautions you take, there are many things you can do to mitigate risks. Start with these tips to make your home more flood and bad weather-resistant.

#1: Install preventive smart devices

Water detection devices like the Leak Sensor from Hedge are an easy, inexpensive way to protect your home and belongings from water damage. They can help you catch water early — before it has the chance to damage your home and belongings.

These devices typically emit a beeping noise when they come into contact with small amounts of water accumulation. Hedge's Leak Sensor does this while also sending an instant alert notification via the Hedge App on your phone, and activating the 24/7 issue escalation pipeline.

#2: Clean your gutters

Gutters are designed to funnel water off your roof and away from your home. It’s common, however, for leaves, sticks, and other debris like shingle pieces to collect in your gutters, preventing proper water flow and causing water to build up and potential leaks.

Cleaning your gutters is relatively easy, and should be done twice a year. If you're up for the job, wear the right attire (long sleeves and gloves!), make sure you have a good, extendable ladder set on a flat, sturdy surface, and use a small scoop to remove debris.

And while you’re at it — take care of your downspouts, too. (Read on!)

#3: Clear your downspouts and point them away from your house

Like gutters, downspouts can collect leaves, sticks, and other debris, which prevents water from flowing safely away from your home. To clear your downspouts, remove the extension to expose the bottom opening and insert a garden trowel to dig out debris. Rinse the downspout from the top opening (after you've unclogged your gutters); if the water flows out the bottom, carrying all remaining debris with it, you're good to go! Last step — make sure your downspouts are funneled away from your home, so that water doesn't pool around the base of your home (if that happens, there's potential for it to seep in!).

#4: Fight flooding with sandbags

If you live in a flood zone, sandbags are a simple, effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. They work as a barrier, diverting water around — instead of through — the home. A heavy-bodied or sandy soil is best for filling sandbags, and the process can easily be done by two people working together. To place sandbags, follow the pyramid placement method, which increases the height of sandbag protection.

#5: Stock up on duct tape

Duct tape is an incredibly versatile tool when it comes to proactive flood protection. Use a water-resistant version to secure sandbags, as well as any other materials (e.g. expanding foam or plastic sheeting) you have in place to keep water out of your home.

#6: Have more time to prepare? Take a look at your yard.

If you have the time and motivation to take more significant steps to prevent flooding, take a look at your yard — there are a few things you can do to prevent flooding.

For example, check the grade (or level) of your landscaping and yard nearest to your house. Does the mulch or area of your lawn closest to your home slope directly toward it, causing water to pool near the base of your home and potentially seep inside? If so, it might be time to consider regrading the area directly next to your home. Proper grading near the base of your home will allow water to drain away from your home's foundation rather than toward it, helping you avoid potential water damage.

To take things a step further, consider hiring a professional to install a drainage system around your house. This is a great, albeit more involved, solution for homes at greater risk of flooding.

Keeping your home and belongings safe (and dry!) takes a bit of proactive maintenance — but it's well worth your while. Start with these tips to tackle some of the most common sources of water damage. For more tips on protecting your home from costly water damage, check out our other blog here.