Why Hurricane Flood Damage is More Than Water

When we think of “hurricane flood damage,” it’s easy to visualize a few inches of water pooled in your living room. However, the reality is much more complicated. Water may be the primary concern and cause of the damage. But it’s accompanied by various other issues that can significantly escalate the damage.

As floodwaters rise and storm surge happens, they often bring contaminants and debris that can lead to serious health risks. Mold, for example, happens quickly after a flood. Mold can become a significant problem, turning your home into a potential health hazard if not addressed promptly. According to FEMA, flood waters also may contain human and livestock waste, as well as household, medical, and industrial waste.

Beyond the immediate damage and health concerns of flood water, there are other concerns. If your home has been subjected to flooding or storm surge its structural integrity is also at risk. When inundated with water, walls may buckle, floors can warp, and foundations can become compromised. The aftermath of a hurricane can lead to extensive repairs, requiring significant time and resources to return your home to its original condition.

Once the storm has passed, the challenges of drying out your property, removing the biohazard contaminants, and addressing any damage can feel overwhelming. And while nothing makes it easier, understanding that hurricane flood damage encompasses much more than just water can help with adequate preparation and recovery. It also helps to ensure that you take a comprehensive approach to protect your home from future storms.

Can Hurricane Shutters Help Minimize Flood Water Damage?

Having Hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida is essential for protecting your home’s windows, doors and other vulnerable openings. Specifically, they protect them against intense wind and flying debris. But do they also minimize water damage during a storm?

Yes and no.

Hurricane shutters protect your glass openings from breaking. And if your windows and doors are in tact it will prevent rain and run off from getting into your home. So yes, hurricane shutters do prevent damage from water intrusion related to broken windows and doors.

However, hurricane shutters are not intended to be flood prevention products. In turn, they may not keep all water out of your home and may not prevent hurricane flood damage. This is especially true when it comes to storm surge or flooding. Your storm shutters may potentially help slow down the rate at which flood water enters the home. But in situations such as flooding they most likely will not be able to stop all water intrusion. That is, of course, unless the shutters are watertight, which most are not.

So if you are affected by these issues it is likely that water may enter your home, even if you have hurricane shutters installed. If your home is susceptible to these situations you may want to look into products made specifically for flood protection purposes.Of course, hurricane shutters are not a foolproof solution for flooding. Water can still seep in through doors or other vulnerable areas. However, they significantly reduce the risk of water entering through windows, especially during those torrential downpours. So, when those storm clouds gather, it’s time to roll out the shutters and let them do their thing. After all, who wouldn’t want their windows dressed for success?

Why Flood Protection Matters as Much as Hurricane Protection

If you live in an area with a flood risk then neglecting flood damage protection and prep can be a costly mistake. While hurricanes are often the headline-makers, storm surge and floods can wreak just as much havoc on your home. This is true even in the absence of very high winds. About 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding, making it a significant risk, especially for those living in flood-prone areas.

It should also be noted that storm surge and flooding related causes are cited as the highest cause of death during hurricanes. This makes flooding a risk that everyone should be aware of and prepared for.

Floods can enter homes quickly and cause extensive damage to walls, flooring, and personal belongings. Unlike hurricane winds, which might last only a few hours, floodwaters can linger for days, leading to structural damage and long-term problems like mold growth. During the flood there is obviously the risk of drowning or having to evacuate your home if it floods.

This is where flood protection strategies come into play, providing essential safeguards that complement your hurricane preparations. Implementing measures such as waterproofing your basement, and using flood barrier and dam systems can help reduce the impact of floodwater on your property.

Flood Protection for Your Home’s Doors and Access Points: What Works Best?

Gates and Barriers

When it comes to flood-proofing your home, a solid defense is everything. There are traditional options like sand bags. There are more advanced options like removable door flood gates/barriers that offer an easy, watertight seal ready to deploy when needed. Along the same line are flood doors. And then there are water barriers that can be erected around your home or business. These come in a wide variety of styles and technologies.

Sealing

Weatherproof seals add an extra line of defense for a more straightforward fix, stopping minor seepage before it sneaks in. Several different products are available from foams, to waterproof tapes and seals. Whatever your approach, be sure those barriers are close, seals are crack-free, and your setup is rated to withstand the possible damage.

Investing in the right solutions is the key to keeping your home and loved ones safe.

Tips to Protect Your Home from Flooding

You can outsmart the floodwaters with some smart strategies and keep your coastal Florida castle high and dry. Here are some tips to help your home withstand nature’s wildest tantrums!

Seal Gaps and Cracks: Water loves sneaking through cracks, especially near the foundation. Water can seap in around doors and windows, and other areas that present openings. Seal them with waterproof caulking or appropriate expanding foam to block water out.
Add Sump Pumps and Check Valves: Sump pumps keep water from accumulating, while check valves prevent sewer backups—both are essential for a flood-prone home.
Grade Your Landscape and Raise your Home’s Elevation: Adjusting the slope around your home keeps water flowing away instead of pooling near your foundation. Raising the elevation of your home, although pricey, may help to keep your home out of flood water or reduce the damage.
Elevate Outlets and Appliances: Placing outlets and appliances above ground level can minimize flood-related electrical damage.
Clean Gutters and Drains: Clear gutters prevent water from overflowing and direct water safely away from the house.
Invest in water barriers or dams: New flood protection products can help keep water away from your home.

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