Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Storms and flash floods happen and, in an area surrounded by water like Galveston, this can prove challenging if you don’t take the proper measures to ensure your home is protected from flood damage. Whether you’re moving into a new-to-you home or simply updating for peace of mind, there are steps you can take to mitigate flood damage to your Galveston home.
Know Your Flood Risk
Before you take further action, get to know your home’s flood risk. With Galveston Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico just to the south, most of Galveston has some risk of flooding, even if you’re located on higher ground than most. If you’re unsure of exactly how much risk you’re under, FEMA provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) to better show different flood risks throughout the region. For local laws to remain aware of, glance over the city’s webpage on flood protection.
Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding
Concerned about your risk against storm surges or flash flooding? Take back your peace of mind by giving your home its best chances against flood damage with the actions below.
Install Flood Vents
Flood vents protect your house during floods by preventing pressure buildup that can otherwise destroy walls and even foundations. Installing flood vents does more than protect your home’s structural integrity: It also decreases your flood insurance costs.
Purchase a Flood Detector
For technically inclined homeowners, a flood detector could be a good idea. Modern flood detectors can be installed with smart home compatibility for convenience, and many brands detect water, humidity and temperature changes. Placing these on your ground floor can help assess damage even if you have to evacuate during storms.
Maintain Yard Runoff & Drainage
Your ditches in your yard, gutters on your house and even environmental elements like dense plants and trees all serve important roles in keeping your home and yard free from standing water. Keeping gutters and ditches free of debris is crucial for flood and stormwater runoff management. Galveston law actually prohibits dumping debris in canals or drainage ditches.
Install Electronics Above Flood Level
Your HVAC system and breaker box at a minimum should be installed above flood level. If your home is only one level or you’re short on space, this means they should be installed high up on your walls at the required flood elevation level. Anything below this flood elevation line should be water-resistant at the least.
Build with Flood-Resistant Materials
Build or renovate smart with flood-resistant materials. You can find materials treated specifically to resist water damage for many elements of your home, from drywall to insulation, that give your home a fighting chance when flood waters rise.
Insure Your Property
As soon as you purchase your home, you should look into insurance. Basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding, so it’s an extra expense. However, flood insurance for your property, especially if you live in a flood-prone city like Galveston, can give you year-round peace of mind. Clarify with your insurance provider whether your policy covers both the structure of your home and its contents; not every policy covers contents, with some providing coverage purely for structural damage.
Protect Your Home with Updates
Whether you’re just looking for a fresh look, want protection with impact-resistant windows, or have existing flood damage in need of attention, Window World of Galveston is here to help! Reach out today for your free estimate.