The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is definitely known for its dry spells. But when it rains, it definitely rains. Heavy downpours, flash flooding, the occasional wet summer and, yes, even hurricanes in the Gulf, can cause significant water damage risks to local homeowners. Rising repair costs and homeowners insurance premiums have left many local homeowners wondering how to prevent water damage before it occurs.
Appropriately waterproofing your home can save you a lot of time and worry when it comes to costly repairs and added stress. With a few proactive, practical steps, you can minimize risks as much as possible ahead of wet weather. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind.
Understanding Home Water Damage
Severe storms, river swells and flash flooding after periods of prolonged drought all contribute to DFW’s flooding risks. The region’s flat, low-lying areas—particularly those along the floodplain of the Trinity River and its tributaries—are particularly threatened despite considerable flood control efforts by the authorities.
Home water damage (e.g. structural problems, mold growth and soil erosion) from any of these events can be extensive and costly. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that just one inch of water in your home can cause $25,000 in property damage. However, thorough preparation may prevent home water damage when bad weather threatens. The place to start when flood-proofing your home is to determine (as closely as possible) the areas where damage is most likely to occur.
Assessing Your Property’s Flood Vulnerabilities
No home is immune to water damage. This includes homes that have never flooded before. Even properties in elevated areas can face these risks in the right conditions. Therefore, everyone can benefit from a little flood preparation.
The most obvious way to keep water out of your property is to seal off potential entry points. But first, you have to identify these areas. Consider a few common trouble spots:
- Damaged roofs, broken shingles and clogged gutters may all allow water to enter the home.
- Poorly maintained drainage ditches may fail to direct precipitation away from the home.
- Cracks or gaps in the home’s foundation may allow water to threaten the home’s structural integrity.
- Warped, unsealed or damaged windows and doors may create perfect entry points for dampness, humidity and precipitation.
- Damaged brickwork or vinyl siding may allow moisture to corrupt the structure beneath.
- Broken, clogged or corroded plumbing may leak or become overwhelmed during extreme precipitation.
It’s important to repair any such damage regardless of the time of year. However, when storm season threatens, such preparations become even more necessary.
Exterior Home Preparations
When it’s time to begin waterproofing your home, focus on the exterior first.
- Maintain your roof. Inspect and repair damaged shingles, replace rusted nails or connections and seal roof decks to prevent leaks.
- Don’t forget to look under the roof. Check your attic or upstairs crawl space for structural damage, signs of mold or pest infestations that can weaken the roof’s integrity.
- Ensure your gutters, downspouts and drainage ditches are clear and undamaged. These systems will work to direct water away from your home.
- Recaulk broken seals or add weatherstripping around windows and doors. If you notice excessive issues with these entry points, consider if it’s time to upgrade to newer storm-resistant models.
- Check your foundations for any signs of sinking, cracks in walls or damp spots.
- Repair missing or damaged siding or brickwork.
- If your home has a crawl space or wash zone, check to ensure these areas are clear and unobstructed.
Your landscaping can also play a role in preventing home flooding and other storm damage. Cut back trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of something falling on the house and creating a hole. If possible, grade your yard so water flows away from the house.
Interior Home Safeguards
Flood home prep doesn’t stop with the outside. There’s plenty you can do indoors to prevent water damage, too.
- If your home has a basement, crawl space or storm cellar, ensure those areas are properly sealed and allow good drainage.
- Consider installing sump pumps to help remove moisture and prevent floodwater intrusion during heavy rain. Ensure these sump pumps include battery backups so they’ll work in case of power failures.
- Apply waterproofing sealants on walls and floors to help create a moisture barrier.
- Protect appliances and utilities by elevating HVAC machinery and electrical panels above potential flood levels.
- Secure your water heater and ensure all indoor plumbing fixtures are in good working order. This can reduce the risk of leaks and damage during severe weather.
- Repair any ceiling, wall or interior structural cracks.
It’s true that no amount of preparation is foolproof, especially in the face of devastating storms. However, the more you can do to keep water out of your home for as long as possible, the better you can minimize or even avoid water damage altogether.
Personal Flood Preparation, Insurance and Documentation
Besides preparing your home itself, flood prep also involves handling some important clerical and personal tasks.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit with essentials like clean water, non-perishable food and first aid supplies.
- Secure important items such as money, credit cards, family mementos, jewelry and vital records in waterproof containers or high places.
- Compile a detailed home inventory for both insurance purposes and personal use. Document your belongings with photos and receipts to help streamline any insurance claims.
- If you have warranties on any household appliances or features, keep these files on hand. Some will not cover flooding or other “Acts of God.” However, others might help you replace water-damaged items.
Additionally, check to see if your home has appropriate flood insurance. Standard homeowners coverage typically does not cover flooding. Therefore, you’ll likely need to buy separate flood insurance. The vast majority of flood policies in the U.S. are backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), although some private insurers now offer policies. The world of flood insurance can be complicated, so speak to your insurance agent to learn more about getting covered.
Get Storm-Ready Today
The better you prepare, the more resilient your DFW-area home will be if heavy storms and flooding threaten. Window World understands how much peace of mind you can get from a well-protected home. Our durable, energy-efficient windows, doors and vinyl siding are built to perform and protect, not just when storms loom, but all the time. Investing in the right home upgrades now can make a meaningful difference when the skies turn dark.
Contact Window World today to learn how our products can fortify your home and protect what matters most—without compromising style or comfort.