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If you live in a coastal flood zone, it's important to take extra steps to prepare for Mother Nature's most temperamental mood changes. With home insurance on the rise, basement waterproofing can help prepare your home for flood conditions and be a requirement to secure home insurance.

Here are some basement waterproofing steps to take when you live in a coastal flood zone.

Pumping and Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is an important consideration for any home, but it's especially important for those located in coastal flood zones. Water can cause serious damage to your home's foundation and even lead to mold and other health hazards, so it's crucial for the eventuality that your basement might flood.

• Get it Pumping: a sump pump is a device that pumps water out of your basement and away from your home. It's especially important to have one if you live in a coastal flood zone, as it can help prevent water from entering your basement during a flood. When installing a sump pump, it's important to locate the pump at the lowest spots around your basement. You will also need to connect your sump pump to a generator or alternative source of power, as flooding often interrupts utility services like water and electricity. Basement waterproofing professionals can help you choose, locate, and install a sump pump to deliver optimal flood protection. In some areas, you can apply for rebates to offset the costs associated with adding a sump pump to your flood mitigation plans.
• Paint it Right: waterproofing paint is a special type of paint that is designed to seal and protect your basement walls from water. It's a simple and cost-effective way to prevent water from seeping through the walls and into your basement. When applying waterproofing paint, be sure to add several coats to extend durability.

Drainage and Venting

With sea levels rising in many coastal communities, preparing for flooding has become essential for weathering increasingly volatile flood conditions.

• Keep it Drained: a perimeter drain system is a network of pipes that is installed around the perimeter of your basement. The pipes are designed to collect and divert water away from your home, helping to prevent water from entering your basement. These drains can also be connected to your sump pump, to siphon away the water that doesn't drain.
• Keep it Vented: flood vents are special openings that are installed in the walls of your basement. Allow they allow water to flow in and out of your basement during a flood, they will help to reduce the risk of water damage from the accumulation of flood waters.

For more information on basement waterproofing, contact a professional near you.