8 Ways to Protect the Home from Flooding
Keep your home and family safe with these reminders from an architect
There’s no doubt the rainy season is upon us, with frequent showers, thunderstorms, and monsoon rains taking over the past few weeks. Aside from making it difficult for us to get from one place to another, the rainy season may cause different problems concerning the home.
Leaks, power outages, and severe flooding are just some of the issues you might face so it pays to stay alert during heavy rains. To help you protect the home from flooding, architect Angelo Siochi shares a couple of reminders below. Keep these in mind and make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid infections and damages:
1. Prior to the rainy season, consider working with a landscape architect to see how you can improve the property. “Landscaping is a big help and can divert water from entering the home,” Angelo says.
2. If your street is already flooded or if heavy rains are expected, put sandbags around the property to help decrease the amount of water coming inside the house.
3. Avoid electrocution and faulty wiring by turning off all utilities, especially electrical ones.
4. Angelo suggests raising the height of electrical outlets. You can also place big appliances on platforms to protect these essentials from the flood.
5. Before the onset of the rainy season, consult with a carpenter or a professional to check if your roof has leaks and if there are any preventive measures you need to do. “Apply weatherproof sealants and paints to wooden doors and any similar elements in your house that can be reached by floor water,” the architect explains.
6. Build or revamp your cabinets using marine plywood to make it more durable and water-resistant.
7. As much as possible, avoid using carpets or wood as flooring. Tiles are your best bets.
8. Consider installing wall-mounted shelves so you have a place where you can store important documents and belongings in case water comes inside your house.
Architect Angelo Siochi is one of Real Living’s Style Spotters. Do you have home- or renovation-related questions? Get in touch with Angelo through email at angelo.agsdesign[at]gmail.com.
