Floods: How to protect your home

3 minutes
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Water is the source of life! But when there's three feet of it in your basement, it can be a nightmare. What you may not realize is that water seepage is a fairly common occurrence. Spring floods, sewers backing up... flooding is caused by a number of factors. So how do you know if you've got the right coverage? And what should you do if there's water damage in your home? With our advice, you can rest easy.

Your coverage

Do you know what your home insurance covers when it comes to water damage? Your home insurance policy should protect you against water damage caused by a broken appliance or an oversight. A washing machine that overflows, a water heater that springs a leak, a pipe that bursts... it's all covered! And that's great news.

Where you need to double-check your coverage is for damage in the event of a sewer backup, heavy rainfall or other outside source. That usually requires additional coverage. Be sure to carefully read over your policy. Reach out to your insurer to add any necessary coverage.

The exception

You might think your home insurance doesn’t cover Mother Nature's mood swings. Well, it does! Damage resulting from natural causes, such as lightning, hail and high winds are usually covered. The only exception is flooding as a result of overflowing rivers. 

And why is this not covered? Simply because the areas where they are most likely to occur have been identified as flood zones by the Ministry of the Environment and insurers. Therefore, those who choose to remain there do so at their own risk. If you live in a known flood zone and a flood occurs, you may be eligible for financial assistance from both the provincial and federal governments. If you're considering buying a property near a river or lake, consult the province’s flood-risk areas (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). This will give you a clear picture of the potential risks associated with the home you're interested in. Please note: not being in a flood zone mapped by the Ministry does not mean that the area has been identified as risk-free by insurers. 

Preventing damage

You can’t control the whims of Mother Nature. But you can take concrete steps to reduce the risk of water infiltration in your home. Here are a few tips to help you avoid having to play Aquaman.

  1. Clear gutters and window wells of any accumulated debris. Make sure water can flow freely away from your home. This is a good habit to adopt at least once a year, ideally twice. Also install downspout extensions to direct water away from the foundation.
  2. Use more resistant and durable materials. In the event of a claim, some insurers help you Rebuild Better by covering part of the additional costs. Avoid using wood floors for your basement. They warp when they get wet. Opt for ceramic, vinyl, epoxy or cork flooring.
  3. Install a non-return valve. It’ll be your best ally during a sewer backup.
  4. Inspect your roof regularly. The shingles should be in good condition. If you have a flat roof, make sure the gravel fully covers the asphalt layer.
  5. Check that your doors and windows are properly sealed. You can repair the caulking and replace weatherstripping.
  6. Have your land graded so runoff water flows away from the foundation.
  7. Install a water leak detector if you live in a high‑risk area.
  8. Stay informed with local authorities if a nearby river is at risk of overflowing. Follow their instructions to avoid the worst-case scenario. Public efforts may be put in place to build dikes using sandbags.

Is your driveway sloped?

If so, water can accumulate more quickly in your basement.

Protect your home with a few simple steps:

  • Regularly check that the drains in front of your garage door are properly draining water. They’re often clogged with fallen leaves.
  • Store valuables in waterproof bins or somewhere other than the garage and adjacent room.
  • Install a catch basin with a submersible pump that works even during a power outage. If you already have one, test it from time to time.

To protect your basement even better:

  • Install a watertight garage door. It’s the best way to keep water out.
  • Use a removable flood barrier. This temporary and more affordable option is installed in front of the garage to block water.
  • You can also install a speed bump on the sidewalk to retain water. The slope should be gradual enough to allow your vehicle to pass without scraping.

Installing a watertight garage door, a flood barrier or a backwater valve could make you eligible for a subsidy.

Check with your municipality to see if you qualify.

The right response to water seepage

Is there water seeping into your home? The first thing to do is cut the electricity in the inundated area. Then contact your insurer. When the damage is extensive, the company will recommend a professional clean-up service. These specialists will be able to fully dry out your home. Here's how to recognize serious water infiltration:

  • Check the water coming out of your faucet. If it's coloured or murky, it is likely contaminated.
  • Touch the floor. Does it feel soft or spongy? This is another tell-tale sign of water damage.
  • Inspect the drainage system to make sure it’s not clogged.
  • Look for cracks or bumps in the floor.
  • Use your nose. Can you smell dampness in the air? Ooh-wee! That’s a sign that water is stagnating somewhere.

Water seepage can be sneaky. Less than 10 centimetres of water in the basement will cause substantial damage, not just to your belongings and home, but it can lead to mold growth. So you need to act fast to avoid long-term problems.

In short, water damage happens. In Quebec, it's the leading cause of home insurance claims. Floods cause a lot of damage. Unfortunately, as a result of climate change, this type of disaster will likely happen more often. Follow our tips on dealing with flooding and get the right insurance.

This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice.