Major Flooding in Manchester, New Hampshire: How Homeowners Can Prevent Water Damage
If you’ve lived in Manchester, NH, for a while, you’ve probably noticed that flooding has gotten much worse in recent years. Our team at Groundworks often hears customers say how bad things are, with saturated basements and damaged foundations becoming much more common. What gives?
Due to climate change, extreme weather like storms and heavy rainfall is more frequent in Manchester than in the past. And with that comes flooding, which can destroy homes, increase insurance premiums, and potentially threaten lives.
The good news is that you can do something before it’s too late. Here’s how to protect your home and family, whatever the weather may bring.
Why Does Manchester Flood More Often?
There are lots of reasons. One of them is that Manchester experiences both pluvial (surface) flooding and riverine (river) flooding. This isn’t anything new, but climate change makes everything worse. About 12% of buildings in the city are now at risk of flooding.
Also, consider the increasing amount of rainfall in Manchester. In 1990, around 40% of precipitation fell during a two-day downpour, according to Climate Check. In 2050, this is expected to rise to 44%. Heavy rain, especially in low-lying areas of the city, makes a major flood event more likely to happen.
It’s not just properties near the Merrimack River and other bodies of water that are susceptible to flooding. Street-level flooding is more common, especially downtown. Other problems include stormwater runoff from roads and driveways overwhelming Manchester’s drainage system. Mold can also be an issue after a flood, with wet basements and crawl spaces creating a breeding ground for this fungus.
Climate Check reports that flood-prone buildings in Manchester have, on average, a 34% chance of experiencing a flood around 1.8 feet deep in the next 30 years. This means homes that have never flooded before could soon experience extreme water damage.
Water Damage: The Homeowner Experience
Local homeowners often contact us when they notice the following signs of water intrusion in their homes:
- Water pooling around their foundation after heavy rain
- Basement wall cracks or floor cracks
- Water entering through basement windows
- Sump pumps running overtime or failing during power outages
- A lingering musty smell in their homes
- Mold growth after a storm
If you notice any of these problems after heavy rain, it’s a good idea to contact a basement waterproofing expert right away. Groundworks professionals will inspect your home to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the right solutions.
How Groundworks Protects Your Home
We’re homeowners too, and we understand the challenges our peers face throughout Manchester and Hillsborough County. We’ll help you safeguard your property from flooding with solutions tailored to your home’s needs, including:
Interior Drainage Systems and Sump Pumps
An interior basement drain directs water to a sump pump, ensuring it doesn’t infiltrate and damage your property in the first place. A sump pump moves water from your basement and deposits it to an outside location. We recommend a battery backup sump pump that keeps your home dry even during a power outage.
Vapor Barriers and Dehumidifiers
After heavy rain, your basement can hold onto moisture, affecting humidity levels and air quality. Installing a wall vapor barrier and energy-efficient dehumidifier prevents mold, wood rot, pests, and other problems associated with excess moisture.
Foundation Stabilization
Water may seep into your property through tiny cracks in your foundation. Our team addresses these cracks with foundation repair solutions including helical piers, push piers, wall anchors, or wall braces. Each system stabilizes your foundation and ensures your home’s structural stability.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
If you have a crawl space instead of a basement in your home, our team encapsulates this area to prevent standing water after wet weather.
Don’t Fear Flooding—Groundworks Is Here to Help
You’re not imagining it — flooding is getting worse here in Manchester. Thankfully, you can take action now to protect your property and family. Groundworks’ tailored solutions and local experience help you regain control and create a drier environment, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. We know New Hampshire homes inside and out, so schedule a free inspection with our team now.
Flooding and Water Damage FAQs
Basement flooding can be caused by many sources. Internal sources include burst plumbing pipes, leaky appliances, and faulty sump pumps. Heavy rain, poor foundation drainage, and foundation damage are also potential causes. To find the root of the problem, contact your local Groundworks company for a free inspection and basement waterproofing estimate.
Any amount of water in your basement, whether it’s a few inches, a puddle, or a damp wall, is a warning sign. Water intrusion can lead to mold growth, health issues, damaged belongings, and even foundation deterioration.
Many insurance policies do not cover flood damage, such as preventable instances part of regular home maintenance. However, there are certain circumstances where your damage may be covered. It’s best to check with your insurance agent to go over exactly what your policy covers.
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