Flood Risk & Basement and Crawlspace Waterproofing Assists Against Damages

According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Services) and the Homeland Security information site, all homes in any area of the US can be prone to flooding.

This can fluctuate, though, and some areas are high risk, whereas others are lower risk. York, PA, with its different water table elevations, can be considered a mid-risk area depending on the address of a home or property.

The FEMA website allows users to look up the actual risk of flooding via a search by address, and this can assist homeowners in determining how much basement and crawlspace waterproofing is necessary.

Most homeowners in York, PA, can experience some type of seepage into a basement or crawlspace, especially after torrential rain or even sudden melting of snow or ice. The most devastating flood in York, PA, was after Hurricane Agnes in 1976.

However, according to the First Street Foundation, flood risk throughout all of PA has been increasing in PA since 2020. This non-profit foundation follows the land trends and makes predictions on flooding using this data and data from the National Weather Service.

Basement and crawlspace waterproofing is therefore encouraged as being proactive is much better and, of course, less costly than being reactive, as cleaning up tons of water is a lot more difficult than prevention.

Basement Gurus serve York, PA, with the finest in basement and crawlspace waterproofing and encourage the use of their free estimates to evaluate risk and risk management of possible flooding. An evaluation does provide the expertise of licensed and certified specialists in basement and crawlspace waterproofing.

Extra Measures that Can Assist Against Flood Damage

Of course, waterproofing is the best course of action, but serious flooding can require some extra precautions, which Basement Gurus can recommend on top of the basement and crawlspace waterproofing.

  •    Flood Insurance 

This can be available, but a lot depends upon the location and the insurance company’s underwriting. Some higher-risk areas will not be eligible for this as insurance companies generally avoid many costly claims over the years. York, PA, though, is not a high-risk area, so it is possible that this would be a good option to have as a backup in the event of a flood since waterways do exist and flooding did occur years ago, although sporadically.

The waterways near York, are mostly streams but can bubble over quickly, and dry, arid land, plus the water table and locations of residents can increase the risk of an unexpected flood.

Any hurricane quickly turns mild streams and rivers into bubbling, overburdened dangers. Sandbagging by Emergency Services through local, state, and federal intervention services can assist but not entirely, as seepage into the ground still occurs and makes its way to basements and crawlspaces.

  •    Watershed Location Knowledge

The areas in York, PA, that contain watersheds can experience flooding from the watersheds. Watersheds are used to catch water, much like a basin or bathtub. However, this can be both good and bad, as only so much water can be contained in a watershed before it overflows as well. The Oceanic Service of the US government contains locations of all watersheds.

The Susquehanna River flows adjacent to York, and there are many waterways, such as lakes as well. This did lead to the implementation of the use of watersheds because of past flooding in lower land tables.

While the city itself is responsible for the maintenance and management of the watersheds, residents do need to be aware of the location of these and take measures to thoroughly waterproof basements and crawlspaces.

Watersheds lead water toward municipal drains. If the watersheds overflow, the homeowners are wise to install drains outside their homes as a safeguard.

  •    Knowledge of Upcoming Weather 

This is important as preparedness is always a bonus to prevent basement and crawlspace flooding. Knowing even a few days ahead of an upcoming hydraulic event that will occur gives a homeowner the time needed to correct any inside and outside issues with the waterproofing.

The state of PA does have an emergency line for weather and roadway conditions. Simply dial 511 or visit 511. PA. Basement Gurus are available for quick and timely service before or after damages occur. Evaluations are free, and there is no need to wait for disastrous weather to protect against flooding.

Conclusion- York, PA Flood Risk—Basement and Crawlspace Waterproofing Assists Against Damages

York, PA, and the surrounding areas do not see a lot of extensive flooding. But when it happens, it “goes big,” as in the case of Hurricane Agnes, which practically decimated the area.

The idea of watersheds and other measures by the municipalities has assisted with the containment of tragic flooding. Homeowners, though, do need to protect their own properties and have knowledge and, of course, basement and crawlspace waterproofing in place.

Basement Gurus are always on hand with the finest, most affordable solutions to waterproofing. All it takes is filling out the form on the website or calling 1-800-834-6584.