BASEMENT FLOODING PART II: Reducing Flooding Risks on Your Property HISTORIC CHICAGO BUNGALOW ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 BASEMENT FLOODING PART II: Reducing Flooding Risks on Your Property HISTORIC CHICAGO BUNGALOW ASSOCIATION

2 HCBA 2 Launched in September, 2000 HCBA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help owners of Chicago style bungalows and other vintage homes maintain, preserve and adapt their historic homes through grants and educational resources

3 HCBA s Educational Seminars 3 Thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), HCBA, in partnership with Elevate Energy and CNT RainReady, is able to expand our seminar series to educate you on climate change, current storm water infrastructure, and steps you can take to alleviate basement flooding issues

4 Presentation Agenda Introduction Types of Flooding Identifying Flood Risks Property Improvements Additional Resources Discussion / Q&A 4

5 RainReady Home an initiative of RainReady is an initiative of the nonprofit Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) designed to help individuals, businesses and communities find solutions to the problem of too much or too little water Elevate Energy is partnering with CNT to develop and expand the RainReady Home service. RainReady Home services are provided by: 5

6 Elevate Energy: Our Mission We promote smarter energy use for all. We give people the resources they need to make informed energy choices. We design and implement efficiency programs that lower costs, and protect the environment. We ensure the benefits of energy efficiency reach those who need them most. 6

7 Elevate Energy: Areas of Focus Smart grid benefits and dynamic electricity pricing in homes Energy efficient buildings Community-level programs Research, policy and innovation

8 Water Backup, Foundation Seepage, Overland Flooding TYPES OF FLOODING AT YOUR PROPERTY Image Courtesy of: Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction 8

9 Water & Sewer Backup Image Courtesy of: Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction 9

10 Foundation Seepage Image Courtesy of: Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction 10

11 Yard Flooding Image Courtesy of: Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction 11

12 Do-It-Yourself INDENTIFICATION Hire a Contractor Identifying flood risks at your property DO I HAVE A PROBLEM? 12

13 Backup through Drains, Sinks, Tubs & Toilets What to look for: Standing water (Clear, Dirty, Sewage) Stains on walls & floors Sediment near drains Where: Near floor drains Basement sinks, tubs, toilets When: During rain events After rain events Hint: Check your basement during and after rains. Standing water after rain stops could mean blocked pipes. Next Step: Hire licensed plumber to televise building sewer 13

14 Seepage at Cracked or Porous Foundation What to look for: Water coming from walls Cracks in exterior walls Where: Foundation walls in basement Seam of wall and floor (cove joint) Pipe penetrations at foundations When: During rain After rain Dry weather Hint: Look for water stains on floor, peeling paint, or powder-covered brick. Next Steps: Use a garden hose to test cracks; Consult foundation repair contractor 14

15 Leaking Window Wells or Doors What to look for: Gaps near basement windows & Doors Damage to door seals & window weather stripping Water or water damage at window sills Where: Basement windows or doors When: During rain After rain Hint: Window or stairwells without drains are common sources. Next Steps: Inspect condition of doors and windows 15

16 Downspout Discharge near Foundation What to look for: Broken or obstructed downspouts Disconnected or missing downspouts Where: Exterior perimeter of home When: During rain Hint: Bungalows often have two or more downspouts to drain the many roof areas; 2- flats often have a single downspout at the back of the building. Next Step: Inspect downspouts in dry weather, and again during rain. 16

17 Low-points near Foundation What to look for: Standing water during and after rain Perennially wet soils Where: Near foundation When: During rain After rain Dry weather Hint: Soils around buildings settle over time; Downspout discharge can scour soil and create low-points. Next Steps: Inspect foundation in dry weather, and again during rain. 17

18 Low-points in the Yard What to look for: Standing water during and after rain Perennially wet soils Where: Yard When: During rain After rain Dry weather Hint: Look for places that are often wet or where grass doesn t grow. Next Steps: Inspect yard in dry weather, and again during rain. 18

19 IMPROVEMENT Do-It-Yourself Hire a Contractor Low or No-cost improvements to reduce flood risk at your property WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THE WATER? 19

20 Clean Gutters Why would I do this: Water overflowing gutters Clogged or obstructed building sewers What to do: Clear gutters Install gutter guards Considerations: Take necessary safety precautions Seasonal maintenance FLICKR User: National Fish & Wildlife Service 20

21 Disconnect Downspout from Building Sewer Why would I do this: Water backup Downspouts are connected to building sewer What to do: Cut Downspout; Remove Connection from sewer Extend >10 from foundation Considerations: Capture water on-site Don t send water to neighbors FLICKR User: Center for Neighborhood Technology 21

22 Extend Downspout to Yard Why would I do this: Downspout discharges near foundation What to do: Extend discharge 10 from foundation Considerations: Capture water on-site Overflow route to right-of-way Don t send water to neighbors FLICKR User: kjeanettee 22

23 Caulk Joints & Cracks near Foundation Why would I do this: Block point of entry for water What to do: Clean existing joints or cracks Caulk cracks; Use foam backing Considerations: Weather-resistant materials Other points of entry Foundation cracks may require contractor Don t send water to neighbors FLICKR User: anneheathen 23

24 Slope yard away from Foundation Why would I do this: Direct water away from foundation What to do: Grade yard to drain away from foundation Considerations: Add or remove soil Soil with high clay content Perennial plants Don t send water to neighbors 24

25 Install a Rain Garden Why would I do this: Capture water from downspout or paved surfaces Improve drainage in yard What to do: Size garden appropriately Plant perennials Considerations: Storage volume Proximity to foundation Infiltration capacity of soils Don t send water to neighbors FLICKR User: Center for Neighborhood Technology 25

26 Install Rain Barrel(s) Why would I do this: Reuse water for irrigation What to do: Disconnect downspout Attach rain barrel Ensure necessary overflow route Considerations: Size to serve source area(s) Discharge >10 from foundation Don t send water to neighbors FLICKR User: Center for Neighborhood Technology 26

27 Hire trusted contractors Foundation crack repair Sewer rodding & televising Backwater valve Interior drain tile Sump pump 27

28 Additional resources to help reduce flood risk at your property WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO? 28

29 Online Resources Contractor Referral Website HCBA Contactor Referral & Resource Guide Website chicagobungalow.org/resources-and-education/referral-and-resources-guide Flooding Resources HCBA Basement Flooding Website chicagobungalow.org/resources-and-education/basement-flooding CNT RainReady Website ICLR Basement Flooding Handbook Website BasementFloodReduction.com Red Cross Flood Safety Rain Garden Alliance Garden Calculator raingardenalliance.org/right/calculator 29

30 Questions? -- Stay in Touch an initiative of Ryan Wilson Elevate Energy RainReady Home program (872) Facebook/RainReadyPlan RainReady Home services are provided by: 30