Living in Florida, with its lush landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods, comes with an occasional price tag—floods. While the Sunshine State has its charms, the threat of water damage lingers, making it essential to floodproof doors to avoid water damage and the losses it brings.
But no worries. Dame Easy got your back. Here is an easy guide to how to floodproof doors in your house, why and when you need to do it and how you can save a great deal of time, money and effort on the way.
Here is what you need to know to floodproof doors in your house.
The doors of your house are not just welcoming gates for all the guests and visitors; they are also an entry point for floodwater when another storm or hurricane hits the neighborhood.
Imagine a heavy rainstorm causing water to seep through your doors, invading your sanctuary. Floodproofing doors isn't just an optional task—it's a shield against potential disaster. By fortifying your doors, you create a barrier against water intrusion, minimizing the risk of extensive damage to your property's interior.
Also, water-damaged doors might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause significant dangers for your home and your family.
Here are several reasons why you should dloodproof doors of your house before the disaster strikes:
- Structural Integrity
Water damage weakens the structural integrity of doors. It can cause warping, swelling, or rotting of the door material, making it less sturdy. A compromised door becomes less effective in providing security, potentially making it easier for intruders to gain access to your home.
- Mold and Mildew
Moisture accumulation due to water-damaged doors creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Beyond the unsightly appearance and musty odor, mold poses serious health risks. Breathing in mold spores can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and even more severe health problems, especially for individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
- Unnecessary Repair and Replacement Costs
Delaying repairs for water-damaged doors can lead to more extensive damage, ultimately resulting in higher repair or replacement costs. Ignoring the issue initially might seem cost-effective, but in the long run, it can lead to a more significant financial burden.
- Compromised Aesthetic of the Property
Water stains, discoloration, and warping caused by water damage diminish the aesthetic appeal of your doors and your home overall. This not only affects the visual appeal but can also impact the resale value of the property.
- Safety Hazards
Beyond compromising security, water-damaged doors can pose safety hazards. Warped or weakened doors may not close properly, leading to gaps that compromise temperature control within your home. In extreme weather conditions, this could affect the comfort and safety of occupants.
- Potential Spread of Damage
Water damage doesn't remain contained to just the door. If left unaddressed, it can spread to adjacent walls, floors, and other structural elements of your home. This exacerbates the damage and can lead to more extensive and costly repairs.
- Energy Efficiency
Damaged doors with gaps or poor seals can significantly impact the energy efficiency of your home. They allow for air leaks, leading to increased energy consumption to heat or cool your home, resulting in higher utility bills.
- Long-Term Structural Issues
Continued exposure to water can compromise the integrity of the entire structure around the door. This can weaken the wall framing, flooring, and adjacent areas, potentially leading to more extensive and expensive structural repairs.
In other words, it is much easier and cheaper to floodproof doors of your house than to take a chance and see what the new season brings. Remember, your house is not just the place where you build lifetime memories with your loved ones. It is a major investment, and it is up to you whether it will bring safety and independence to you and your heirs or turn into a major money pit.
Floodproof doors ABCs
Ready to floodproof doors of your house? Got all the tools you may need for this major chore? Here is what you should keep in mind.
1. Clear Your Gutters and Drains
Check and clear your gutters and drains regularly. Ensuring they are free from debris allows water to flow away from your home instead of pooling around it. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of water seeping into your home.
2. Sandbags and Flood Barriers
Sandbags are effective barriers, especially for doorways in lower areas prone to flooding. Fill them about two-thirds full to create a solid, gap-free stack when placed. Sandbags offer better water resistance compared to mulch or soil bags, which might create more mess than protection.
If you are not into some back-breaking work, don`t have several extra hours to spens and don`t ejoy cleaning wet sand from your property when the water finally retreats, check out the modern alternative to sandbags - flood barriers.
These lightweight reusable pannels fit every doorway perfectly due to a special seal and air pump. They make sure that floodwater has no chance to break into your house and cause any kind of damage to the floors, furniture and walls.
Flood Barrier Door Dam - Ultimate Flood Gate
$899.99
DAM EASY® FLOOD GATE - DOOR DAM Floods are becoming more common around the world. What was once a 100-year phenomenon is now a seasonal trend that homeowners must deal with. That’s EXACTLY why you need this Dam Easy Flood… Read More
These flood barriers are so easy to install that even a teenage kid can do it on their own. No fancy tools or special skills needed. Once you take your flood barriers out of the storage unit, you will install them in 3 easy steps and not more than 10 minutes.
When the flooding is over, You can simply remove your flood barriers, fold and store them anywhere in the house—even under your bed or behind the doors. Unlike most solutions you would use to floodproof doors today, these flood barriers are reusable, easily adjustable, and versitile. You can even use them as window shutters or a flood dike around a swimmimg pool or any other outdoor construction.
3. Sealing Windows
Check the tightness of your windows. Sealing them is also important to prevent or reduce water damage. You may use a tarp and duct tape for a quick fix.
- 4. Inspect Door Sill
- Check for screws on the door sill. Remove any caps and adjust the screws. Lifting or pushing down the sill by adjusting these screws can help eliminate gaps, preventing rainwater from seeping underneath your door.
Need some assistance?
Here at Dam Easy, we get lots of emails and calls from Florida homeowners who want to explore and check out flood barriers and other modern flood control solutions but sometimes feel hesitant. Indeed, how do you know how many flood barriers you actually need for your house? What about floodproofing the garage and basement? How do you make sure that those flood barriers fit perfectly and do their job as they are supposed to if you have never used something like this before?
No worries; as we always say, flood safety is Dam Easy! Contact us today, and our professional team will come directly to your house, estimate flood risks, do all the necessary measurements, and help you make informed decisions about which and how many flood barriers you will need to floodproof doors, garage, basement, save your swimming pool, summer kitchen, or favorite flowebed from water damage.
Contact us today, and we will do the rest for you! Can it be that easy? Of course, flood safety is Dam Easy with us!
