Sometimes, no matter what, when you live in a flood zone, your house will flood in heavy rain. I have a friend who lives on a street called Water Row Lane, and last year their neighborhood had to collectively rent the Boston Duck Boats for 2 weeks to transport them from their homes to their cars in a nearby parking lot.
Water, might be good for flowers, plants, and trees, but it’s not so good for houses.
Live in a flood zone?
If you live in an area that has a high flood risk, elevate the furnace, water heater, electric panel, washer and dryer in your home at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
You should have check valves installed in your home to prevent flood water from backing up your drains.
Have a sump pump installed, and if you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working and install a battery-operated backup, in case the power goes out.
Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts.
After a flood
Check outside for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. Make sure your porch roofs and overhangs still have their supports. Check your home’s and your out building’s foundations for settling, cracking or undermining. If you see damage, get a building inspector or contractor to check the home before you go inside.
Turn off all electrical switches, even if the power is out.
While the electricity is off, hose down the house to remove any health hazards left by floodwater and mud.
If your furnace or water heater floods, have a technician check them before turning them on.
If your basement is flooded, pump the water out in stages.
Dry out appliances such as washers and dryers before using them. They might need several days to dry.
Mold
Mold can produce allergens, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances that can make you sick, so you need to ensure your home is as mold-free as possible.
Water damage should be taken care of within 48 hours after the incident or mold growth (or worse, bacteria and viruses) will occur.
The best way to prevent mold is to remove wet contents from your home immediately.
Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.
Dry out damaged rooms by opening windows and using high-pressure fans. If your carpets are damaged, you should strongly consider installing new ones.
Keep the indoor humidity low, ideally from 30 percent to 50 percent. Make sure places of high humidity, such as bathrooms, are well-ventilated. Use a dehumidifier whenever necessary.
Even if you remove the mold, if the water problem (i.e. a leaky pipe or cracked foundation) is not fixed, the mold will come back.
Hiring a Contractor
Do the research. Ask friends and neighbors and read reviews. Make sure the contractor can do the type of work needed, foundation and basement crack repair . And check the contractor’s current references.
Check withe the Better Business Bureau, A1 Foundation Crack Repair has an A+ Rating.
Contractors can’t collect more than one-third of payment up-front unless the job requires materials that must be specially ordered. They also cannot demand any payment before the contract is signed.