Nothing is worse than the thought of a flood destroying your home. If you live in a flood zone, you need to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage to your house. As a homeowner, be sure to avoid materials that are known for lacking proper protection against excessive amounts of water. For example, flood-prone pipes can fail during flooding.

Flooding can cause severe structural damage to your property, but preparing your home in advance can help it withstand inevitable floods and reduce the risk of water damage. 

If you end up with water damage, read our article on water damage restoration costs and fill out this form below to get a quote from one of the top-ranked water damage restoration companies.

Otherwise, follow these four steps to prevent and reduce water damage from floods. 


1. Install Foundation Flood Vents

Foundation flood vents direct floodwater through your property instead of allowing it to pool around the foundation. The vents provide an exit route for the water, which can substantially reduce structural damage and prevent flood water from seeping into your home.

Without foundation flood vents, a home can experience major damage when the water has nowhere to go, and pressure builds up underneath until it bursts through the foundation. Luckily, flood vents relieve that pressure by allowing the water to escape.

Sump pumps are also often used along with foundation vents to help pump water out of basements during extreme flooding events. The sump pump activates when water reaches a certain level and pumps it out through a discharge pipe.

Proper drainage around the home is also critical to keep water away from the foundation. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from the house. Professionals should install flood vents to ensure proper building code compliance and effectiveness. Improperly installed vents may not adequately protect your home.


2. Protect the Exterior

If mulch, soil, or dirt presses up against your home’s siding, it could cause extensive damage during a flood. When saturated, mulch and soil can cause your home’s siding to rot, leading to leaks, mold growth, and moisture issues.

To prevent this, maintain a barrier between the ground and your home’s exterior. Use gravel, rocks, or retaining walls to keep mulch beds and soil at a safe distance. It is also critical to keep the perimeter of your home dry, addressing any moisture issues after storms.

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Inspect your home’s exterior routinely in a flood zone and repair damaged or rotting siding immediately. We recommend keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris so they can effectively divert water.


3. Waterproof Your Basement

Basements are especially vulnerable to flooding damage. Water can rapidly fill a basement, causing costly damage or compromising the structural integrity.

To keep your basement dry, it is critical to waterproof the exterior perimeter. Professional basement waterproofing services can seal your foundation with membranes and install external drainage systems to divert groundwater.

Interior options include installing a sump pump system, grading the floor to drain toward the sump pit, applying waterproof paints or epoxy coatings, and using flood vents. 

Well-maintained gutters, proper exterior grading, and adequate drainage away from the foundation are other key elements. Monitor your basement closely after heavy rains and address any moisture issues immediately.

Read tips for keeping basements dry during floods and learn how to make flood damage repairs if your basement gets flooded.


4. Redirect Downspouts and Drainage

Make sure downspouts, drainage pipes, and other water sources around your home drain away from the foundation and sensitive areas.

Aim downspouts to channel rainwater to lower elevations with an adequate slope. This step prevents pooling around the foundation. Drainage pipes should extend several feet from your home.

Inspect drainage routinely to ensure proper function, keep ditches clear of debris, remove obstructions, and repair damaged pipes immediately. Adequate drainage is critical for flood protection.


So, Is Preventing Water Damage in a Flood Zone Worth the Investment?

Taking proactive measures to flood-proof your home requires time and money. However, it can save you significant money and headaches when flooding occurs. Flood damage often costs tens of thousands of dollars to repair, from replacing drywall and flooring to mitigating mold growth and making structural repairs. In severe cases, homes must be condemned or demolished after major damage.

Preparing your home in advance with flood vents, waterproofing, and proper drainage gives you the best chance of experiencing a flood event relatively unscathed. Adequate preparation provides peace of mind if you live in a flood-prone area. While occasional flooding may still cause some damage, you reduce the risk of catastrophic destruction.

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FAQs About Preventing Water Damage in Flood Zones

How much does it cost to install foundation flood vents?

Installing foundation flood vents ranges from $450 to $1,500 depending on the number of vents needed, materials, and labor. Vents for block foundations cost $200 to $300 per vent. In contrast, vents for poured concrete cost $300 to $500 per vent.


How often should gutters be cleaned in flood zones?

Homeowners in flood zones should clean gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. Debris-filled gutters can cause overflow that pools around the foundation.


What are the most flood-resistant basement flooring options?

Waterproof vinyl, treated concrete sealers, tile, and brick are excellent water-resistant basement flooring options. I recommend avoiding carpet and laminate, as they absorb water and can develop mold when flooded.


Should I get flood insurance if I don't live in a high-risk area?

Flood insurance can provide protection even for homes outside high-risk zones. Around 20% of claims occur in moderate-to-low-risk areas. It covers damage a homeowner’s policy excludes.


What home improvements increase flood insurance costs?

Adding or renovating a basement into a living space and installing items like hardwood floors and recessed lighting can increase flood insurance premiums. Plan for this possibility when making home improvements.


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Lauren Greene

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Lauren Greene is a passionate storyteller with over 4 years of experience writing and editing. She attributes her expertise from working at local magazines, newspapers, and corporate marketing and communications teams. She has worked on content with topics ranging from plant care, home decor, and home improvement. Lauren resides in Raleigh with her adorable Shih Tzu. You can catch Lauren attending to her plants, spending time with her puppy, enjoying the greenway, or lifting weights at the gym when she’s not writing or researching the latest home improvement topics.

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Amy DeYoung

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Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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