Flood resilience and Stormdry MAX
With regular flood warnings in force across the UK in the wake of Storm Ciarán, many of us are thinking about fortifying our homes from the threat of flooding.?
Remember the two r’s of flood protection: resilience and resistance. In this edition of Built to Protect, we’re going to look at the flood resilience approach (also known as a water entry strategy) and Stormdry MAX.
Stay subscribed - on Wednesday 22nd November, we’re taking an in-depth look at flood resistance systems (also known as a water exclusion strategy).
Flood risk resources
Not sure if your home is at risk of flooding? Check here.
Properties at risk of flooding can sign up for free flood warnings to be best equipped when heavy rain hits.?
Flood zones and you
When you check flood risk information for planning for your area, you'll find out your location’s flood zone. Places in flood zone 1 are considered low-risk (with a less than 0.1% chance of flooding in a given year). Flood zone 2 areas are at medium risk of flooding (with up to a 1% chance of flooding). Flood zone 3 areas are considered high risk (with a higher than 1% chance of flooding).
Keep in mind that these ratings are based on the low-term historical flood risk from rivers or the sea. These flood risk ratings do not take into account possible future worsening of weather conditions that could lead to a sudden flood like abnormally heavy rainfall.
No property is 100% safe from flooding. It’s always best practice to know your risk levels and be prepared for a flood should it happen.?
What is flood resilience??
The resilient approach to home waterproofing accepts that floodwater will flow into the home and aims to reduce its impact. This differs from a flood resistant approach that aims to keep water out entirely.
For extreme flood areas of above 0.6 potential metres of floodwater, it becomes incredibly difficult to create flood-proof structure without compromising structural integrity. For this reason, a robust resilience flooding system should be deployed in buildings at extreme flood risk.
In areas at risk of between 0.3-0.6 metres of flooding, flood resilience strategies should be used in combination with flood resistance measures.
Get the Safeguard Flood Systems?
For more in-depth flood system specifications, check out our Flood Resilience Guide. It features full specifications for 3 flood resilience and resistance systems, as well as whole house solutions to flood-proofing ground-floor properties.
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5 actions to reduce flood damage
Ventilation and drainage: Adequate ventilation beneath the house can prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mould and decay. Additionally, efficient drainage systems, including well-maintained gutters and sloping landscapes away from the house, can redirect rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding.
Seal vulnerable points: Seal all vulnerable points in the house, such as external wall cracks, windows, and doors. Proper sealing prevents water intrusion, keeping your home dry and secure during floods.
Consider smart landscaping: Landscaping can be a powerful tool in flood resilience. Planting water-absorbing vegetation and creating natural barriers like berms may help divert water away from the house. Additionally, consider permeable pavements on driveways to allow water to seep into the ground (although these require maintenance and careful consideration of the surrounding environment and buildings).
Elevate essential systems: Elevate electrical panels, heating systems and other utilities above expected flood levels. This prevents short circuits and ensures essential systems continue to function during and after a flood.
Use damp-resistant plasters: When building or renovating, opt for materials that can withstand water damage. Gypsum plasters lose integrity when exposed to water and are not suitable for flood areas. Breathable, damp-resistant and lightweight renovation plasters are resilient in flood conditions and can be fully dried out after flooding.
Fortify your at-risk home with Stormdry MAX?
In times of heavy rainfall, some properties have it worse than others. The powerful duo of Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream and Stormdry MAX Enhanced Waterproofing Barrier is the ultimate treatment for:
- Properties at high risk of flooding
- Properties in exposed areas at high risk of extreme wind-driven rain
- Properties and public areas at risk of persistent graffiti
With enhanced crack-bridging abilities (up to 0.6 mm) and a max-strength waterproofing barrier, Stormdry MAX fortifies your existing defences and helps accelerate drying speed to get your home back to pre-flood conditions as quickly as possible.
The Stormdry range works in combination with the Dryzone DPC, Renovation Plaster and Drybase Tanking ranges to provide resilient flood defence systems for all types of building.
Need help with flood resilience systems? Our technical team are happy to take your questions. Email us at info@safeguardeurope.com and don’t forget any photos of your property that might help us diagnose the problem.?Alternatively, give us a call at 01403 210204.