We have all seen images of the damage that flooding causes. Floods can happen almost anytime, anywhere. Flooding causes an average of $8 billion in property damage in the United States each year according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And it doesn’t take much to cause damage. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, just 1 inch of water can cause almost $21,000 in damage to a 2,000-square-foot home.
Your Policies Do Not Cover Floods
What you may not realize is that your homeowner’s insurance policy likely does not cover floods. To be protected against flood damage, secure additional coverage specific to flooding. In some cases, depending on where the home is located, lenders might require proof of flood insurance. As your real estate agent, I will connect you to insurance professionals who can help you find out early if flood insurance will be required. This could be an important factor in your purchase decision.
Protection Beyond Insurance
There are some precautions you can take to help safeguard your home from damaging flood water.
Ground-level flooring should be tile or stone. Wood flooring and carpet are more susceptible to rot when exposed to large quantities of water.
Check the roof for leaks and repair them immediately. When replacing the roof, make the additional investment to install a rubber roof underlayment, which is a waterproof barrier that sits under the shingles and protects your home from water entering through the roof.
Consider investing in a sump pump and keep it handy in the event you need to remove excess water from the home.
It Doesn’t Need to Rain to Flood
Keep in mind that damaging waters do not come only from excessive rain and inclement weather; homes can flood from broken pipes, faulty appliances or human error such as leaving a faucet running.
MartellSells.com 