You can’t prevent the weather, but there are measures you can take to minimize flood damage to your home. Floods are the most frequent natural disaster in Canada and are usually caused by heavy rainfall, rapid melting of snow, or the failure of a dam. Flooding is at its worst when is occurs on low-lying lands and usually takes place during the spring months as a result of the weather change.

Learn from the experts at Certified Asbestos about the best precautions that will reduce your chances of experiencing flood damage:

Rethink Your Landscaping

Landscaping your yard with plants and vegetation that minimize soil erosion can make a huge difference when an extreme rainfall hits. Although the particular plants for preventing erosion depend on your soil type, there are some great options that help you to naturally manage flooding. By covering crops, such as ivy, creeping juniper, and weeping forsythia, they will grow an expansive set of roots that keeps topsoil in place and reduces soil erosion. Other alternatives include natural grasses, which are low maintenance and will easily blend into your existing landscaping. Some excellent natural grass choices are timothy grass, foxtail, and buffalo grass.

Regularly Clean Gutters and Eavestroughs

Neglecting to maintain the outside of your home can result in severe damage when flooding occurs. By keeping gutters and eavestroughs clean, water won’t overflow and seep into your home in the event of a heavy rainfall. Clean your gutters by first removing any large debris, such as leaves and branches, followed by cleaning finer materials with a hose. The purpose of eavestroughs is to direct water off of your roof and away from your home’s foundation. The best way to clean eavestroughs is to use an extendable ladder that reaches the target area and scoop debris into a bucket. If your eavestroughs haven’t been cleaned in a while, opt to make them extra clean by using a hose to remove any remaining dirt and grime.

Ask a Plumber About Installing a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve is a device connected to a sewer line that prevents backflow by ensuring sewage is directed away from the home. Backflow becomes an issue with heavy rainfalls because city sewer lines become overwhelmed. Installing a backwater valve is fairly economical with new construction, but it can also be retrofitted to your existing home. Before installing a backwater valve, make sure to contact your municipal government to inquire about local permits.

Install Shelves

In the unfortunate event that flooding does happen in your home, placing your items in higher areas reduces the risk of significant damage to your prized possessions. Make sure that electrical and valuable items are safe by installing shelving units in your basement. Protect your HVAC unit by elevating it onto a base of masonry, concrete, or an existing balcony that is at least one inch above the recommended elevation in the HVAC manual. By doing so, you will reduce costly reparation and replacement expenses for your HVAC.

Assess Your Grading

Sometimes, it’s the layout of your property that allows flooding to occur in your basement every time it rains. If you want a long-term solution for your flooding problems, consider getting an assessment of your yard’s grading. With effective lot grading, water will be redirected away from your home by creating swales and a slope. Swales are channels that store runoff often associated with flash floods and are easily incorporated into the existing landscaping of your home.

If you’ve already experienced flood damage in your home, turn to the experts at Certified Asbestos Removal and Restoration Inc. Our team of highly-qualified professionals will ensure the restoration process is effectively completed in order to prevent future problems.  Request a free estimate, or call us at 403-437-8070 today!