We are nearing the end of May and have already had our fair share of rain. Spring has struggled to stay afloat and grace us with warm temperatures. Rain and cold can wreak havoc on your home and landscape so we have some tips to keep you one step ahead for mother nature’s unexpected curve balls.
Keep Water Out!
Multiple days of rain can cause widespread flooding and many headaches. If you have known moisture issues, installing a sump pump will ensure that water will be moved out quickly from your basement if it begins to flood with water. There are pumps available that will continue running even during a power outage. Apply coatings and sealants to your foundation, walls, windows and doorways to ensure water will not enter through any cracks that may be present. Point downspouts away from your home. If your gutter run off is pointed toward your home, water may pool at the corners and cause cracks and leaking into your basement. Keep space between your home and mulch. Wet mulch can mold your siding which can lead to leaks. Leaving 6” of space between your siding and the ground helps prevent rot and leaks.
Flooding can Damage a Beautiful Landscape
When starting a landscape, flood prep should be a key factor in planning. Start by sloping the ground away from your home a good 6 to 10 feet so that the water flows away and towards the street or driveway. Installing pavers and patio stone will also ensure that water stays far away from your home. A rain garden is a beautiful add on to any landscape. With deeper sections added within the garden, this allows for water to collect there instead of in your basement. Plant natural grasses with native plants and bushes. They have a deeper root system so they do not have to be watered as much and can take on heavier rains with very little issue.
Basement Flood Prevention
You just finished the basement and it’s immaculate, now you need to keep it that way for many years to come. Purchase a generator so that your sump pump never has to quit during a power outage. A propane or natural gas generator is the way to go in this case. This way if you are at work or on vacation, your generator keeps working. Check if your generator has back up power or if the battery is fully charged. Investing in a warning system can keep your mind at ease. This will go off at the very first sign that your basement is flooding. Home alarm and security companies can set up notifications to go to your cell phone when the power goes out or if your basement floods.
Keep Cord Connections Dry
Raising your electrical cord connections at least one foot above flood level will also help prevent significant damage and dangerous conditions. Keep them securely covered as well so that they continue to stay dry as the rain falls.