The Mauritius summer season often brings its share of rain, from cyclones to flash floods. After the destructive passage of cyclone Belal, the threat of water infiltration and flooding is growing. An amplified threat due to the lack of insurance for most homes.
What are the essential preventive solutions to protect your home from these challenges?
Your property is suffering from water ingress
Ugly stains on the walls, crumbling paint and the smell of persistent damp are all obvious signs of water infiltration that should not be overlooked. Such subtle but critical indicators are the first signs of a potential threat that could compromise the structural integrity of your home, as well as the quality of indoor air due to mould.
How can this be prevented?
Water infiltration through roofs
Broken tiles and sheet metal, leaky panels, defective joints or blocked gutters are all factors that contribute to water ingress through the roof. It is advisable to have regular inspections carried out by a professional, to keep gutters and drains clean, and to carry out prompt repairs to any damaged tiles or slates.
Water infiltration through outer walls
Often neglected, outside walls can be major sources of infiltration. A professional should be called in periodically to inspect them, repair any cracks or faulty joints, replace any damaged bricks or rendering, and install suitable drainage systems.
Water infiltration through windows and doors
Over time, sealing joints can deteriorate, allowing water to seep through doors and windows. To prevent such infiltration, we recommend regular replacement of waterproofing joints, prompt repair of cracks or deformations in frames, and installation of waterproof barriers.
Water infiltration through foundations
Foundations, which are crucial to a building’s stability, can be vulnerable to water ingress, especially in damp or flood-prone areas. For these homes, it is advisable to keep slopes away from the foundations, ensure that drains and pumps are working properly, and consider installing impermeable coverings.
Flood prevention
With climatic change gaining ground, flooding and waterlogging are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common. They can cause considerable damage to your home, ranging from property damage to structural damage and emotional distress. A sudden rise in water levels can also contaminate drinking water supplies, leading to health risks.
How can you avoid this?
- If you are planning to build or invest in a new home, make sure you understand the local flood risk. Flood maps, weather warnings and local history can help assess potential threats.
- Opt for landscaping that goes beyond simple aesthetics, promoting intelligent water management.Incorporate features such as permeable green areas, retention basins and natural drainage channels.
- Enhance the ability to manage excess water by investing in resilient infrastructure. Advanced drainage systems, well-designed dams and embankments can play a crucial role in protecting against flooding.
- Elevate essential equipment, such as electrical systems and appliances, to minimise potential damage inside homes.Installing anti-flooding devices, such as barriers or siphons, offers additional defence.
What about home insurance?
On a tropical island, vulnerable to climatic challenges, the need to protect oneself becomes fundamental. Many insurance companies in Mauritius, including SWAN and MUA, offer suitable cover against water damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, or a high-risk region, consider these options as a proactive protection strategy. Over and above financial guarantees, home insurance is proactive planning in the face of climatic hazards, encouraging residents to see it as a lifeline in the event of natural disasters.
