There are many proven methods for water damage protection available to consumers that will withstand even heavy rain or flooding in most situations, but a large part of that success will depend on the dwelling's location and the type of drainage system already in place. Digging culverts within the ground to direct water flow will greatly increase the chances of success, and waterproofing the location with drains and other barriers will also alleviate much of the problem. If standing water is allowed to accumulate in any one area within a homeowner’s property for a period of time, it will eventually lead to serious problems, however, so the key to superior water damage protection is to keep water moving away from the property at all times.
When the area in question is a crop or field that occupies a large part of flattened land, water damage protection may not seem like a priority since the soil will eventually absorb all of the liquids. That standing water can quickly lead to soil erosion or saturate the soil so quickly that the plants can not grow, however, so a drainage system is often necessary. One of the most common methods of correcting this problem is running drainage pipe across the length of the field at a slight angle so that water can collect and drain to a safer area. Of course, around flat areas near buildings and sheds, this problem can become much more serious, so additional measures may be necessary.
To install water damage protection equipment around a building or structure, the flow of liquids should be carried well away from the residence through the use of storm drains. Installing thresholds along window and door frames will also prevent water from freely flowing inside the residence, and these areas should also be caulked with sealant to create an airtight barrier that will resist moisture. Any damaged lumber both inside and out of the structure also need to be repaired, sealed, or replaced immediately, since insects and small animals will quickly move in and increase the problems caused by water damage.
Perhaps the best advice to provide water damage protection for any structure is to build it on the highest possible land available and create a runoff on each of its sides. Many builders in low-lying areas will first create a pad of sand on which to construct the foundation on, and residences in all areas would benefit from this same principle. Since the water will naturally run away from the structure, the levels of water damage protection can be much lower overall. When using a building pad, it is also important for individuals to remember to have irrigation ditches along the property line so the rain has somewhere to go.