Flooding is one of the most common hazards in certain regions of the United States, and things are not about to change given the unusual changes in weather and the building of more and more hard surfaces. One way to get a flood-proof home is to make the flooring resistant to flooding. Having flood-resistant floors is a must if you reside in a flood-prone town or you have a leaky basement or poor downspouts.
Build Flooring Using Flood-Resistant Materials
If your home is located in an area that is below the 100-year flood level, your floors and walls should be built with flood-resistant materials. Some of these materials include concrete, porcelain tiles, stone lines, laminate, linoleum, and vinyl tiles.
Add a Waterproof Barrier
Another way to make a flood-proof home is to construct a waterproof barrier over your exterior walls to help keep water from getting in. This job is for a licensed contractor only. The barrier will consist of a course of brick with a waterproof membrane backing. Before installing this barrier, remove the house siding first, and then use exterior-grade plywood sheathing as replacement.
If needed, extend the footing of the existing foundation to give additional support to the layer of brick. You will also need to make changes to the interior walls to protect them from water damage when they come into contact with flood water. Use washable closed-cell foam insulation instead of regular batt insulation. Make sure the pieces of wood blocking placed inside the walls are made of exterior-grade lumber. Do note, however, that this method is not applicable if water can enter the house due to groundwater flooding.
Seal the Floors
Coat the flooring with epoxy products to add a waterproof membrane to it. First, clean the floors and make sure all contaminants and dust are removed. It may be necessary to grind the floors to achieve a clean and hard surface. Repair minor flaws such as cracks by grinding these out.
Fill any cracks along the wall and floor joint with fillet seal or epoxy patch repair mortar. Next, apply a coat of clear epoxy seal. Apply one to two more coatings of clear epoxy seal.
Has Your Home Already Been Flooded?
If you’re already dealing with the aftereffects of a flood in your home and you’re wondering whether it’s possible to clean a flooded carpet, it’s best to call carpet cleaning experts quickly to prevent mold growth. Don’t waste time. Use TalkLocal to find qualified carpet cleaners operating in your area within minutes. Contact us now!
Tags: Flood-Proof Home
