Flood water damage is a major cause of concern for homeowners across Chicago. Whether it’s due to heavy rain or incidents such as burst pipes, water damage can lead to expensive repairs and mold remediation. Knowing whether you’re at risk of flash flooding can help you take flood protection and preventative measures. How do you know you are at risk of flood damage? If you are concerned about the possibility of water damage due to flooding or any accompanying serious health hazards, keep an eye out for the following signs.
Flood Zone
Your biggest flood risk warning comes from whether you live in a flood plain or not. While floods can happen anywhere in the country, some areas with lower grounds are at a higher risk of flooding than others. Luckily, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has several flood maps that let you assess your risk level. Chicago and the surrounding areas often experience serious flood damage. To determine if you are at a high-risk or low-risk flood zone, use the Flood Map Service Center. This handy tool lets you assess an area’s risk based on these factors:
- Flooding history
- Rainfall history
- Location to water sources
- Projected rainfall for the season
Basement or Foundation Cracks
Chicago has plenty of water. But that shouldn’t stop you from looking for flood risk warning signs around your home. Look out for cracks that run along your foundation and basement walls. If you have basement windows, look for cracks around the edges. Such cracks can let in water into your flood during a flooding incident. Once you spot the cracks, contact your local basement or foundation repair contractor to inspect your home’s foundation and basement and seal the cracks to keep water out.
Sump Pump Failure
Whenever it rains, we all want to stay indoors, where it’s comfortable and dry. But your comfort can be short-lived when water infiltrates your home. If you have a sump pump in the crawl space or basement, and it’s not working, you’re also at risk of flooding and water damage. Your sump pump will help keep groundwater out of your home. Ask your plumber to inspect your sump pump before the rainy season starts, and while at it, let them check out flood risk warning signs.
Dirty and Loose Gutters
The condition of your gutters and downspouts matter a lot. If your gutters are dirty or loose, you could face a flood whenever there’s a downpour. Dirt and debris can build up over time and obstruct the natural flow of water. The water will just collect in the gutters until it breaks through your home. If it rains for long, your home could flood. If gutters are weak or pulling away from your home, water will run between the gutter and the roof’s edge. Make sure you clean your gutters regularly and ensure they’re fastened tightly to the fascia board.
Poor Grading
Your lawn’s slope also determines whether or not your home will flood. A negative slope encourages rainwater to flow towards your home and not away. If your grading is a cause for concern, approach a landscape to re-grade your yard. Make sure the ground slopes away from your house at least six inches over 10 ft. Proper grading can ensure water moves away from your house when there’s intense rainfall, preventing flooding and all manner of foundational issues.
High Humidity or Dampness
If your home is ever cold, damp or clammy, there’s a good chance you have an underlying moisture problem. High humidity is a sign that water has infiltrated your home. This is particularly true if your HVAC struggles to keep the indoors warm. Since water absorbs heat before it evaporates, it may take a considerable amount of energy to heat up your home. The moisture can linger in the indoor it and make rooms feel dank. High humidity isn’t something to be afraid of unless it leads to mold growth. You should be worried if the dampness lingers for several days. Take immediate action as losses or damage due to moisture, mildew or mold are deemed avoidable by the National Flood Insurance Program and aren’t eligible for coverage.
Marshy Ground
Take a look around your house on the outside. How does the ground look? If it looks like it will hold water in heavy rain or form puddles that take long to go away, that’s a sign you have lots of groundwater around your house. Some of the water could get into your home in case it floods. If you live in a swampy or marshy area, make sure you invest in a sump pump.
It’s advisable to purchase flood insurance to protect yourself and your property from flood risks. Talk with your insurance agent about the best flood insurance coverage and find out the amount of flood insurance premiums.
Severe Weather Warning
During the rainy season or an extreme weather event, keep up with the weather forecasts especially during heavy rains. Areas with high flood risks can experience flash flood or hailstorms that can down power lines. If you receive an alert about urban flooding from local officials, take precautions. You can seek shelter elsewhere until the flood subsides. Before you leave, ensure the storm sewers are clear and that there are no uninsulated electrical wires in your home or residential buildings. If you’re able to weather the storm, report downed power lines and gas leaks before you embark on any restoration work.
Suffered Flood Water Damage in Chicago? We Can Help With Restoration and Flood Insurance Claims
While there’s little you can do to stop a flood hazard, you should take flood safety measures to protect your home and minimize the impact of flood waters. Powerhouse Restoration provides fast and efficient restoration services for flood, fire, mold and even unexpected sewer backup, taking swift action to limit damage to your Chicago, IL, home. We use advanced water extraction, drying equipment and safe cleaning products, so you be sure the affected part of your home will be fully restored. Our restoration experts
If your plumbing lines suddenly rupture and water floods your home, your homeowners insurance may cover part or all of the plumbing repair and any mold remediation costs due to the water damage. We are happy to coordinate with your flood insurance provider so the claims process can run as smoothly as possible for you. Call (847) 758-8308 to schedule a home inspection and restoration with us today.