After the Storm: A Professional's Guide to Protecting Your Property from Flood Damage in Lancaster

Double B Excavations & Grade LLC

WHAT THIS WEEKEND'S STORMS MEAN FOR LANCASTER PROPERTY OWNERS

This weekend brought more than just another summer storm to Lancaster.

When you see cars underwater in the Kroger parking lot, you know we're dealing with something serious.

As excavators, we've seen firsthand how quickly water can turn from a nuisance into a real threat to property and safety.

We might not be able to control the weather, but we can definitely control how we respond to it.

With parts of Lancaster still dealing with flooding and power outages, it's time to talk about what property owners need to know - not just for cleanup, but for preventing future problems.

Let me tell you what we look for when we assess a property for flood risk. It's not just about whether water's pooling in your yard - it's about understanding how water moves across your entire property. Think of water like a guest that doesn't follow the rules - it'll find every possible way into places it shouldn't be.



First, let's talk about grading. This is probably the most important thing we look at, but most folks don't think about it until there's a problem. Your property should always slope away from your house or building. Even a slight grade makes a huge difference in where water ends up. When we see flooding like we did this weekend, properties with proper grading often fare much better than those without.

Basic drainage is another big one. A lot of times, people think their gutters and downspouts are fine because they haven't had problems before. But storms like this one in Lancaster show us where these systems fall short. We're not just talking about keeping your gutters clean - we're talking about making sure all that water has somewhere to go once it hits the ground.

Here's something I've learned over years of doing this work: most flood damage could have been prevented with the right setup. But people usually don't think about flood prevention until they're already dealing with water in their basement or a washed-out driveway.

Let's break down what really works for long-term protection:

• Regular property assessments (especially after big storms)
• Professional grading work where needed
• Proper drainage installation
• Maintenance of existing systems

The thing about water damage is that it usually starts small. Maybe you notice a little pooling in one corner of your yard, or your basement has that damp smell after it rains. These aren't just annoyances - they're warning signs. And in Lancaster, where we're seeing what serious flooding can do, ignoring these signs can end up costing a lot more than fixing them early.



Think about it this way: every dollar spent on prevention might save you ten dollars in repairs later. We're seeing that play out right now across Lancaster - the properties that invested in proper drainage and grading are typically handling this flooding much better than those that didn't.

While we can't stop the rain, we can definitely be better prepared for it. What we're seeing in Lancaster right now - from flooded parking lots to power outages - shows us exactly why proper drainage and grading matter so much.



If you're dealing with flooding issues:

1. Stay safe - don't take risks with standing water
2. Document everything
3. Get a professional assessment once things dry out
4. Start thinking about long-term solutions