FLOOD RESISTANT | RCD ARTICLE

Written by R.Chin | RC Designs Blog Thursday, January 27, 2022

FLOOD RESISTANT | RCD ARTICLE

Hello RCD watchers,

We've reconstruct a YouTube article for our readers. Make sure to comment below if this was a informative read and if you'll like more of this kind of content each Friday.

This article is a “climate changes in Suriname” themed article. This theme was chosen because of the current flooding and extreme rainfall in Suriname.

This article is a three-part article about flooding around the world.

How to protect against flood damage?

(flood resistant house part 1)

https://youtu.be/lCkKn4ZT5H8

PART ONE: HOW TO PREVENT AGAINST FLOOD DAMAGE?

PROTECT AGAINST FLOOD DAMAGE

We protect against flood damage by preventing it in three different stages from your house:
1. Site
2. Structure
3. House design

- Site

1) Flood proof site
2) Grade the lawn from the house
If the lawn tilts toward the house, rainwater will pool around the home. Conversely, tilting it outward directs rainwater away.
To this end, the lawn should use a heavy soil that contains clay content and sand, allowing the surface runoff to empty into a more appropriate place such as a street gutter
3) Construct permanent barriers

source: https://youtu.be/lCkKn4ZT5H8

4) Install sewer backflow valves
backflow valve is designed to temporarily block a sewer drain to prevent sewage from backing up into the home.
Backflow valves are available in a variety of designs that range from simple to complex.
source: https://youtu.be/lCkKn4ZT5H8
source: https://youtu.be/lCkKn4ZT5H8

- Structure

1) Flood proof structure
2) Add waterproof veneer to exterior walls
The veneer can consist of a layer of brick backed up by a waterproof membrane.
Any wood blocking added inside the wall cavity should be made of exterior-grade lumber.
3) Apply coatings for exterior walls*
4) Install found vents and sump pump

source: https://youtu.be/lCkKn4ZT5H8

source: https://youtu.be/lCkKn4ZT5H8

- House design

1) Elevate above flood level *
2) Build with flood resistant material*
3) Raise or Flood proof HVAC Equipment and Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical System Components
heating,
ventilating,
air conditioning,
plumbing appliances,
plumbing fixtures,
duct systems,
and electrical equipment including
service panels,
meters,
switches,
and outlets.
They may be designed to prevent damage from flooding, whether through waterproof enclosures, barriers, protective coatings, or other techniques to protect vulnerable components.

4) Anchor fuel tanks
One way to anchor a tank is to attach it to a large concrete slab heavy enough to resist the force of floodwaters.
An outside tank can also be anchored by running straps over it and attaching them to ground anchors.
5) Flood proof doors & windows

How to prevent flooding?
(flood resistant house part 2)
https://youtu.be/cLwpqB6cZA4

PART TWO: HOW TO PREVENT FLOODING?

We can prevent flooding with these options:
1. Flood plain options
2. Flood proofing site
3. Flood proofing structure
4. Flood proofing windows and doors

- Flood plain options

source:http://www.stocktongov.com/government/departments/communityDevelop/cdBuildState.html

- Flood proofing site
1) Elevation site
The structure should be build above the flood level to minimize damage if a flood does occur.
One common way of elevating is by building the structure on columns or stilts.
In other cases, the solid foundation can simply be raised higher.
2) Flood site barrier

3) Flood walls

4) Flood Alarms
A flood alarm is a detector which provides early flood warning information if there is a possibility of flooding.
This allows people to prepare for the situation and prevent it as much as they can.
5) Flood gates

source: https://youtu.be/cLwpqB6cZA4

6) Sandbag protection

- Flood proofing structure

1) Elevation of the structure
source: https://youtu.be/cLwpqB6cZA4

2) Dry flood proofing
Sealing your structure to prevent floodwaters from entering.
The installation of watertight shields for windows and doors;
use of sealants and membranes to reduce seepage of floodwaters through walls;
reinforcement of walls to withstand
real picture of using dry flood proofing

3) Wet flood proofing
Making uninhabited portions of your structure resistant to flood damage by allowing water to enter during flooding
Effective wet flood proofing entails that the floodwaters enter and exit the home;
The use of flood vents, flood damage resistant building materials, and protecting service equipment by locating them above the anticipated flood elevation are all methods of wet flood proofing.

4) Floodwalls

using flood barriers, flood walls and levee

- Flood proofing windows and doors

1) Windows

source: https://youtu.be/cLwpqB6cZA4

2) Doors

FLOOD PROOFING DOORS

Secure Flood doors
These doors look and work like traditional hinged doors, yet they keep floodwater out 24/7 with no added effort on your behalf.
Some have special locking mechanisms.
They are a great option since you do not have to check the seal every time it rains.
Do not settle for a commercial stainless-steel door.
Floor barrier sliding doors
These take up less space than a secure flood door and are equally effective at flood prevention.
They open from the side of the door.
Most of the time, they are made in custom sizes and finishes to reflect your home's exterior aesthetic.
Flood barrier sliding doors are also fire rated.
Flood shields
An alternative to doors is flood shields.
They are removable flood barriers designed to stop water from coming under the door.
They are great for residential applications.
Two types of flood shields are available
Dry flood gates
This option can be installed and taken down repeatedly.
They are typically made of metal, create a quick, reliable seal, and are easy to install for homeowners.
They slide, lift, or bolt onto your doorway
Residential door flood barriers
These are for one-time use.
The most common versions are water inflatable flood barriers for doors and you are probably familiar with sandbags.
These barriers are portable and usually more affordable than flood gates and doors.
You must properly place them to provide adequate protection when floodwaters rise.