Sharon Knowles Drafting Services

In the aftermath of our most recent flooding in Nova Scotia, many people are faced with basement remediation. Thought should be given to future flooding events. Whether you are on city sewer or have a septic system, consider installing a backflow prevention gate valve. Redesign your lowest floor above the base (or design) flood elevation to reduce potential flooding in your home. Elevate appliances, water heaters, air conditioning units, furnaces, boilers, electrical equipment and other critical utilities at least one foot above the base flood elevation; ultimately, 2 feet higher than the high water mark. Taking protective measures could mitigate damage.

Whether redesigning or building new, consider elevating building structures on columns, stilts or raised foundations. Build with flood resistant materials, durable and resistant to excessive humidity; examples include: concrete, glazed brick, closed cell & foam insulation, steel hardware, pressure-treated & marine-grade plywood, ceramic tile, water-resistant glue, polyester epoxy paint, etc. Consider installing foundation vents to allow flood water to flow through unoccupied areas of your home to provide an outlet for the flood water, to relieve the damaging pressure that flood water puts on windows and walls, a technique used in homes built at the turn of the 20th century. Alternately, coatings, sealants and waterproof veneer used for dry floodproofing, prevents the entry of flood waters; perhaps a layer of brick backed up with a waterproof membrane, sealing the exterior walls against water penetration. Coatings and sealants may be applied to the foundation, walls, windows and doorways to prevent flood water from entering the house.

Anchor fuel tanks (even if buried) to prevent flood water from driving the tank into walls, damage other property and prevent possible contamination.

Other options include constructing a permanent barrier made of concrete or masonry which can prevent flood waters from reaching your home, if you have sufficient land, a levee is an option.

Grade the lawn away from your house to direct rainwater away using a heavy soil that contains clay and sand, allowing the surface runoff to be directed to a street gutter. Ensure gutters are attached and extended away from your home.