The Different Types of Floods and Water Damage

Floods are the most popular natural disasters and cause billions of dollars’ worth of damage each year. Even if you don’t stay in a high risk flood zone, there is still a chance that flooding will affect your property. Below you can read more about different flooding categories to help you know your own risk:

1. Flash floods take place when heavy rain causes a fast rise of rapid-moving water which sweeps everything in its path. They often cover a fairly small area and occur with little to no notice, usually no more than six hours. The fast water torrents can move big objects, like cars, rocks and trees.

2. Coastal floods are caused by powerful winds or storms which move towards a-coast during high-tide. When strong waves breach the coast’s dune or dike, the area can be flooded. Coastal areas with fewer defenses and lower elevation would be the most affected. The best time to fix the breach is during lower tide.

3. River floods are described as gradual river bank overflows caused by extended rainfall over an extended certain period of time. The areas covered by river floods depend on the size of the river and also amount of rainfall. River floods rarely result in loss of lives but can cause immense economic damage.

4. Urban floods occur when the drainage system in a city or town fails to absorb the water from heavy rain. The possible lack of natural drainage in the urban area could also contribute to floods. Water flows out into the street, making driving through it very dangerous. Although water levels can be a few inches deep, urban floods could cause significant structural damage.

5. Pluvial floods form in flat places where the terrain can’t absorb the rain, causing puddles and ponds to appear. Pluvial floods are like urban flooding, only this occurs mostly in rural areas. The agricultural activities and also properties in places where pluvial floods have occurred can be really affected.

No one ever expects to experience flooding or water damage. If you have water damage in your home or business, do not wait. If you do not deal with the repairs right away it could lead to more serious problems.

You can check out all of our services at San Diego Water Damage Repair Experts.