Susceptible Areas to Flooding in the Niagara Region
/If you own a home in the Niagara Region, there is a good chance that you or someone you know in your municipality has at one time or another experienced flooding. Homes along the shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, or the Niagara Parkway in particular, can be at risk, as high-water levels combined with clay soil that doesn’t absorb water very quickly can lead to flooded streets, yards – and if you’re unlucky – flooded basements.
In addition to homes along the water, homes in older neighbourhoods without adequate storm sewer systems can also be at risk.
Flooding is most likely to occur after significant rainfall, rapidly melting snow or heavy wind and wave action.
The Niagara Watershed spans across 12 municipalities in the Niagara Region, including Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Port Colborne, Grimsby, Pelham, Lincoln, West Lincoln, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet, and Welland, as well as Hamilton and Haldimand County.
Thanks to climate change, the area has been seeing increased flooding over the years along our shores and low-lying areas.
What can property owners in Niagara do?
While there is little that can be done to prevent flooding, property owners can take action to mitigate damage to their property and keep their families safe.
Property owners who live on a flood plain should:
Have an emergency plan that includes a 72 hour Go Bag.
Consider installing a sump pump to avoid basement floods – they should also have a back up generator to power the sump pump if the power goes out.
Store valuable items in the upper levels of your home or in waterproof containers.
Ensure that electronics are at least 18 inches off the floor.
Know how to shut down furnace safely and what steps need to be taken before it can be restarted after a flood.
Consider adding storm shutters to your windows.
Consider grading your yard to ensure that storm water is properly draining away from your foundation.
Ensure that your window wells have good drainage and consider using window well covers.
Speak with your insurance provider to ensure that you have adequate coverage.
How flooding can damage your home’s foundation.
During flooding, water can wash away soil from around your home’s foundation and leave standing water which can eventually seep through small cracks in your foundation’s wall. Over time, this can lead to cracks becoming larger and foundation damage occurring.
Signs that you have foundation damage include:
New cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings.
Windows and doors that feel “sticky” when you open or close them.
Uneven floors
Mould or mildew smell.
What should you do if you suspect foundation damage?
If you suspect foundation damage, you should call in an expert at the first sign of trouble. There are varying degrees of severity when it comes to foundation damage, and the earlier you address the problem, the easier and less costly it will be to correct.
If you live in the Niagara Region and notice signs of foundation damage in your home, contact Foundation Fix today to arrange a consultation. Foundation Fix also waterproofs and repairs commercial buildings such as apartments, stores and industrial buildings.
