If you live in a flood-prone neighborhood, it’s important to learn how to prevent costly water damage because most standard homeowner’s insurance do not cover flood damage. It’s not only coastal areas in Georgia that are subject to flooding, anyone living near a lake, stream or river is at risk. You don’t have to deny yourself the tranquility of living in a waterfront home; there are several steps you can take to avoid major damage to your home in the event of a flood.
A body of water that overflows its banks is not the only way floods occur. A heavy rain is enough to cause damage to basements if the rainwater cannot drain away from your home quickly enough. When landscaping, use plants and shrubs near your home that prevent soil erosion and fill in any low-lying spots where water can accumulate and seep into your basement.
Preventing flood damage starts at the exterior of your home. It’s better to keep water out than it is to pump out the water once it’s inside your home. Flood-proof garage doors Atlanta GA and waterproof coatings for exterior walls go a long way in preventing water from entering your home, stopping flooding before it starts.
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider moving your HVAC equipment out of your basement. It’s much easier to waterproof a ground floor room and most homeowners can find enough room in their garage for a furnace, fuel tank or a hot water heater. With an exterior veneer that resists water and flood-proof garage doors Atlanta GA, your expensive HVAC equipment will stay dry when your basement floods. It’s also safer to keep fuel tanks out of the basement; you could miss noticing a ruptured fuel line during a flood in your basement, putting your whole family at risk. In addition, move your washer and dryer to your garage or inside your home if possible. If you cannot find the space, build a platform to elevate the appliances.
If you live in a flood zone, install a backflow valve on your sewer line to prevent contaminated water from backing up into your home’s water supply. You should also keep an emergency kit handy that includes potable water if flooding is common in your locale.
Commonsense tips include keeping any important documents, such as your deed, insurance policies and birth certificates, in a fire-proof, water-proof box. If any disaster threatens your home, you won’t have time to hunt for documents you cannot easily replace.
During times of severe flooding, local authorities may ask you to evacuate your home. Having an evacuation plan will ensure you can get out quickly with everything you’ll need.
Often, people asked to evacuate their home hesitate, putting themselves and rescuers at risk. Always follow evacuation orders; if your home is as flood-proof as possible, you won’t have to worry about what’s happening to your home while you’re at an emergency shelter. Investing in a waterproof veneer for your exterior walls and flood-proof garage doors Atlanta GA will give you peace-of-mind, as will knowing you have already moved HVAC equipment and appliances out of your basement where they could be ruined by rising water.
All Four Seasons garage doors is the premier full-service vendor for your garage doors Atlanta GA. For more information, to schedule a FREE estimate, or to request a $20 service call, call us today at 678-981-8454!