insurance iq
How can homeowners prevent water damage in the first place ? Whether it ’ s an old house , a new home or a renovation , the approach should be the same :
• Apply a liquid waterproofing membrane to the outside of the foundation walls .
• Ideally , you should apply an additional layer on top of this called a drainage layer , which is a corrugated plastic sheet .
• Make sure you have a properly installed weeping tile system that leads to a perforated sump pit fitted with a pump .
• Lastly , pour free-draining backfill , like clean stone . The top two feet of the fill should be made up of a sloped clay cap for drainage leading away from the structure .
EvEn though wE ’ rE a landlocked province , Saskatchewanians know all about water . Heavy downpours frequently flood rivers throughout the region . And monster storms seem to be regular occurrences now . This often means waterlogged basements , damaged possessions and heartache for residents . But there are ways to help protect your home .
“ Prevention and maintenance help homeowners manage costs , minimize repairs and avoid insurance claims ,” says Terry MacDonald , vice president of CAA Saskatchewan Insurance Services . “ Having the right insurance at that critical moment when you ’ re standing in water is an absolute must and goes a long way to make sure people can relax and enjoy their homes .”
Here , we breakdown some of the causes , solutions and insurance considerations that float to the surface when it comes to water damage . insurance iq
Water Damage ? What Now ? how to protect your home from water damage
What causes water issues , particularly in basements ? It ’ s typically a combination of inadequate or aged below-grade waterproofing and cracks on the concrete wall . Other factors include sewer and groundwater backups , and poor above-grade drainage , like ground slope and downspouts not directing water away from the home .
Where should you look for water and moisture problems ? Inspect the concrete , including foundation walls , joints where the floor meets walls , and the concrete floor itself . You should also look at drains , sump pits , the water meter , hot water tank and basement windows . And you should periodically get the sewer line and weeping tile scoped with a camera to identify signs of failure that can contribute to waterrelated issues . are there any quicker fixes ? The easiest solution that provides the greatest value : Ensure that the ground surrounding your basement is positively sloped away from the building , and fit downspouts with extensions . You can also install backup valves on ground drain lines , sump pits with pumps , and a catchment pan under the water heater .
What kind of water coverage should i get ? Water damage claims and expenses have been on the rise for several years in the province . CAA Saskatchewan now offers comprehensive water coverage to protect your home .
Water-related policies cover damages caused by sewer backup , overflow of water from lakes or rivers , and groundwater or rising of the water table . Plus , CAA Home Insurance offers customizable plans with exclusive benefits and discounts for CAA Members .
Speak to a CAA Saskatchewan Insurance specialist to make sure you ’ re covered against any wet-andwild water mishaps .
For a quote : 1-800-564-6222 or caask . ca / insurance peSkyMonkey / iStock
18 Spring 2018
CAA SaSkatchewan