How to Prevent Your Chicago House from Flooding this Spring [2022]

How to Prevent Your Chicago House from Flooding this Spring [2022]

A combination of inspection, maintenance and repairs add up to preventative flood strategies that protect your Chicago home for years to come.

Here at ServiceMaster of Lake Shore we help restore water-damaged homes and commercial properties each week, so we put together this guide on how to prevent homes in our area from flooding.

Let’s get started.

12 Ways to Protect Your Chicago Home From Flooding

When spring weather blows through with torrential downpours, location doesn't always matter. Properties in the Chicago River watershed are a concern, but flooding can happen anywhere across the region.

Keep an eye on local forecasts and area flood advisories. Protect your residential real estate investments with these 12 tips that minimize the impact of flooding.

Solve Exterior Drainage Problems

Flooded housing risks can often be minimized by modifying the surrounding landscape. Don't let drainage problems outside increase the risk of flood damage inside a property.

1. Inspect the Grade

Stop by a property the next time it's raining. Walk around the house. Track runoff that pools in the yard or puddles against the foundation. Identify grade problems that can turn into drainage disasters.

2. Clear the Foundation

Tree and shrub roots under a foundation can cause shifting and cracks. Heavy mulch wicks moisture into the structure. Reduce the chance of flood damage by clearing excess growth and soil away from foundation walls.

3. Invest in Drainage

Drainage solutions range from reworking a yard's grade to building retaining walls and installing French drains. All of these flood prevention strategies are smart investments in upgrading residential properties.

4. Assess Adjacent Construction

Take notice when neighbors add driveway extensions, patio improvements, new decks or storage sheds to their yards. That impervious cover can redirect heavy rains and result in flooding on your property. Be ready to talk to the neighbors and negotiate shared drainage solutions.

Fortify Properties Outside and In

All homes need regular repairs, and some need improvements. Keep your properties in good shape with simple maintenance routines. Fortify them against flood threats with small projects that protect your ROI.

5. Take Care of the Roof

Warped flashing and loose shingles can open up an attic to torrential rain. Make sure a house's roof is in good repair and ready for Chicago's worst springtime weather.

6. Clean Out Gutters

Keeping gutters clean is more than routine property upkeep. It's a solid defense against heavy rains. Check gutter systems for loose hangers and leaking seams. Make sure downspouts direct runoff away from house perimeters.

7. Fix Foundation Cracks

Surging flood waters can quickly turn hairline foundation cracks into serious property damage. Avoid flooded basements by repairing foundation exteriors. Most cracks can be sealed with epoxy compound or polyurethane foam.

8. Install Vents and Valves

Flood vents don't stop rising water, but they do reduce the chance of collapsed walls. Check valves prevent sewage from backing up into the property during a flood. Both installations can protect a house from significant damage.

Minimize Basement Flooding Risks

Severe storms threaten Chicago basements every season, but they tend to catch property managers and owners off guard during the spring. Here’s how to minimize the risk of basement flooding in your Chicago home.

9. Secure Any Exterior Doors

If a property's basement has an exterior entrance, make sure its bottom landing drain runs properly. Take care of clogs, and keep the grate clean. Check the door threshold for cracks and signs of erosion. A small subsill repair can make a big difference during a typical springtime storm.

10. Cover Basement Windows

Windows below grade are designed to withstand harsh weather, but their drainage systems can fail. Minimize the risk of basement flooding by installing acrylic covers over window wells. This improvement also reduces routine maintenance on basement window exteriors.

11. Service Sump Pumps Regularly

All Chicago basements should be protected against flooding by at least one sump pump. Regularly test all pumps in your properties, and schedule equipment maintenance several times a year.

12. Backup Pump Power

Look at different backup power options for sump pumps including battery-powered units and small generators. When the electricity goes out, you still have dependable power in the basement pumping out water and minimizing flood damage.

Think About Flood Insurance

Whether you buy to rent now or sell later, think about flood insurance for your residential properties. Policy costs depend on location, but it's a good investment in Disaster Cleanup.

Many renters don't realize they can cover their belongings with flood insurance. Check with your tenants, and suggest that they consider this important protection.

Dealing with a Flooded Home in Chicago or the Suburbs? We’re Here to Help!

There are so many challenges involved in owning and managing residential properties. Worrying about your home flooding shouldn't be on your to-do list.

Stay ahead of the weather by keeping your houses ready for the worst. You'll sleep better knowing you're doing all you can to maintain and protect your investments.