How to Install Wet Floodproofing

Protecting your home from flood damage can seem overwhelming. There are several techniques that the average homeowner can do to protect their property. One way to protect your property is with wet floodproofing that allows the water to come in, but you protect everything inside from damage. This is usually used on homes with basements.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Move anything that can be damaged by flood waters. Store valuable furniture on higher floors. Relocate other valuable items to higher ground. Relocate appliances, furnace, water heater, and washer and dryers to an upper level.

2. Replace wooden studs and wallboard with concrete block walls. The goal is to allow for water to enter and not damage the walls.

3. Raise the furnace, water heater, and washer and dryer on cement blocks or a waterproof platform. Move appliances to a safe location. Place cement blocks on the floor. Build the blocks high enough above the usual flood line. If this is higher than two cement blocks, secure the blocks. Or, you can build a platform with replaceable or waterproof materials. Replace the appliances to their new home above the flood lines.

4. Contact a licensed electrician for help. When there are electrical boxes in a poor location, have them moved by an electrician. An electrical box should be where you can get to it if there is a flood without getting your feet wet. Move the box close to the basement stairs or on a higher level of the house.

[SmartVENT]

on 11/20/2008 Smart Vent Foundation Flood Vents

Architects, Builders, Code Officials and Homeowners are all turning to SMART VENT® automatic foundation flood vents to protect homes from the devastation and destruction that a hurricane, flood or other natural disaster can cause. SMART VENTS foundation flood vent is uniquely designed to provide both flood protection and ventilation in these instances and is the only vent certified to meet the requirements as set forth by FEMA and the NFIP for all homes or buildings located in a floodplain. Each Smart VENT is rated to provide 200 sq. ft. of flood protection.