Protect Yourself Against Flood Damage

Spring brings many good things to winter-weary Canadians, such as warmer weather, gardening, and getting together with family and friends around the BBQ to celebrate the season of renewal.

However, the warmer weather also melts the snow that has accumulated over the winter months. Coupled with hard seasonal rain, this often creates an excess of water that can leak into your home, leading to several issues such as flood damage to possessions, a buildup of mold, and foundation damage that will lead to expensive repairs or lowered property value.

Fortunately, you can take steps to waterproof your home and protect it from flood damage, and also give your family added peace of mind by making sure your insurance policy gives you the best protection in case water does get in.

How Can I Waterproof My Home?

Waterproofing your home is an investment that not only adds value to your property but may also qualify you for a higher coverage limit or a reduced insurance rate.

Here are just a few things you can do to help protect your home from flood damage:

• Seal all cracks: Have you noticed any cracks in your foundation walls or basement floors? Cracks are a magnet for overland, ground, and other types of water, so be sure to seal them up. You can easily do this from the inside of your home without digging around your foundation or hiring a contractor.
• Install window wells and covers: Window wells promote better drainage of water in a direction that’s away from your home and also protect your window sills from rot. A less expensive option to installing window wells would be to use plastic sheeting.
• Add weeping tile or foundation drain: Adding weeping tiles or a foundation drain to your property will help divert water away from your home and protect your foundation from water damage. Installation involves digging along the foundation wall by professional contractors, but the investment will be well worth it in the long run.
• Install a vapour barrier: If there is little room between you and your neighbour, or if digging around your home would disturb external fixtures, structures, or landscaping, you can install a mold-resistant vapour barrier in your basement to prevent humidity from seeping through your basement walls.
• Use downspouts properly: Your downspout should be moving the water that comes gushing out of it at least six feet away from your home to a more absorbent area, such as your lawn or garden, or you can collect it in a rain barrel. Don’t connect it to your weeping tile or foundation drain as heavy rain could clog the system and lead to municipal sewer backup, which could cause water to enter your home.
• Add a Sump Pump: A sump pump will help divert excess water away from both your home’s foundation and the municipal sewer system during heavy rainfall. A contractor can install one with minimal intrusion, and can also advise as to the municipal guidelines on where the excess water should be diverted.

Your insurance broker can tell you which flood prevention tools will bring your insurance rate down, and ensure that your policy offers you the most protection.

What Should be in My Homeowner’s Policy?

To properly protect your home and property from flood damage, make sure your homeowner’s policy covers the following:

• Sewer backup: Protects you from damage from municipal sewer systems that have backed up due to very heavy rainfall
• Water and sewer lines: In the event, you have to repair or replace your water service line and/or sewer line in the event loss results from a leak, break, tear, rupture, or collapse of the line
• Overland Water: Covers your home and property for flood damage due to a lake or river overflow, heavy rain, or rapid snowmelt if the water enters your home at or above ground level
• Ground Water: Optional coverage for flood damage from water entering your home suddenly and accidentally at below-ground levels, such as through your basement walls, floor, or foundation.

Be sure to speak to your broker about your homeowner’s policy today, so you can worry less about potential flood damage and enjoy the warmer weather with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re fully protected.

Start Saving with Merit Today!

Make sure that you, your family, your property, and your business are protected during the winter and throughout the year! Call your Merit broker for a quote today at 1-800-563-3383. We’ll customize a homeowner and property, vehicle, or business insurance policy with affordable rates and deductible options that meet your needs.