Protecting Your North Bend, WA Home: The Best Ways to Flood-Proof Your House

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Issaquah/North Bend team was recently called to a home that had experienced severe flood damage after recent heavy rains.

Flood damage may seem inevitable, especially in areas like North Bend, WA, where the risk of flooding is a genuine concern. However, there are proactive measures you can take to significantly enhance flood safety and protect your residence. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to flood-proof your house, ensuring that you and your property stay safe during potential flooding events.

Outdoor Flood Proofing

1. Grading and Sloping: Adjust the grading or slope of your property to ensure that water naturally drains away from the foundation. Proper grading can be a game-changer when it comes to flood prevention.

2. Exterior Wall Sealing: Apply sealing treatments to your exterior walls. This added layer of protection can help prevent water from seeping into your home during heavy rains or flooding.

3. Elevate Critical Systems: Anchor and elevate essential systems like HVAC units, fuel tanks, and generators. Elevating these systems can prevent damage and keep them operational during flooding.

4. Foundation Vents: In areas prone to frequent flooding, consider investing in foundation vents. These vents allow water to flow through the base of your home, reducing the pressure that can build up during floods.

Indoor Flood Proofing

1. Install Preventative Valves: To protect against sewer system or septic tank backups, consider installing preventative valves.

   • Backflow Valve: These valves prevent sewer water from flooding your home.
   • Gate Valve: Provides a stronger seal compared to check valves or flap valves.

2. Prepare for Immediate Action: In case of a flood forecast, act swiftly to safeguard your home:

   • Raise circuit breakers, sockets, switches, and wires above the anticipated flood level.
   • Elevate appliances and contents to minimize damage.

3. Basic Safety Measures: When dealing with flooding, safety should always be a priority. Exercise caution when turning off electricity, especially if it involves standing water.

Preventative Measures

1. Sandbags and Alternatives: Consider obtaining materials to create barriers against water intrusion. Keep burlap bags, sand, and shovels on hand, or explore reusable sandbag alternatives to fortify your property against flooding.

While taking these measures can significantly enhance flood safety, it's crucial to remember that your primary focus during a flood event should be on staying safe. Attempting to flood-proof your structure should take a back seat to ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

Why Choose SERVPRO® in North Bend and Issaquah

In the unfortunate event that your home in North Bend, WA, is affected by flooding, you can trust SERVPRO to provide expert water and storm damage mitigation services. Here's why residents and business owners in North Bend and Issaquah should choose SERVPRO:

• Rapid Response: We're available 24/7, ready to respond immediately to your emergency.
• Expertise: Our highly trained technicians have the knowledge and equipment to handle any flood or storm damage situation.
• Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to efficiently mitigate flood damage and restore your property.
• Local Presence: As a locally owned and operated franchise, we're committed to serving the North Bend and Issaquah communities.

When it comes to flood safety and recovery, SERVPRO is your trusted partner. We're dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of flood damage and getting your property back to preloss condition efficiently and effectively.