Some examples of Resistance and Resilience Measures for flooding
A combination of Resistance and Resilience Measures can significantly reduce the negative impact of flooding. They represent a level of preparedness that bolsters our future response and recovery capacity when a flood event is imminent.
Flood Resistance Measures:
Flood Resistance encompasses permanent and temporary structural measures intended to prevent floodwaters from entering a dwelling.
Permanent resistance products are designed to stop water entering your home either through existing openings (doors, windows, airbricks, vents and pipes) or to stop it penetrating the walls. Flood protection is permanently in place, with no action needed to deploy the device, which is why it is often described as a ‘fit and forget’ approach. These measures are designed to lessen the damage that floodwater can do and also to give homeowners extra time to move ground floor contents. The measures may only be effective for a limited time and limited water depth.
Temporary resistance measures are aimed at keeping floodwater out of a building by putting in place devices that block doors, windows, airbricks, vents and pipes. In order to be protected, these products will need to be installed before flood water arrives. They are designed to lessen the damage that floodwater can do and also to give homeowners extra time to move ground floor contents. The measures may only be effective for a limited time and limited water depth.
Examples of Resistance Measures include:
- Temporary Flood Resistance Measures-
Sandbags or other barriers can be purchased or made to shore up doorways/windows/garages and prevent flood infiltration (this measure will at least help buy you time to secure your belongings).
Additional temporary flood resistance measures include: covers for any external air bricks or grilles, toilet/pipe seals, water-tight covers for appliances/furniture, sealant and water absorbent bags. - Permanent Flood Resistance Measures-
In some instances, it may be wise to install permanent flood resistance structures. These tend to be costly but can be useful in protecting high value structures in areas where floods of higher intensity are fairly frequent. These include: auto barriers, water resistant external doors and windows, anti- backflow valves for sewage pipes, non-return valves for appliance waste pipes, wall sealant, permanent barrier walls and gates, built in sump and pump systems, and raised building thresholds. (Homeowners guide to flood resilience- Know your flood risk campaign)
Flood Resilience Measures-
Resilience measures are aimed at allowing a building to flood, but constructing the interior from materials that are not damaged by water.
Following flooding, a clean-up will be needed but not major drying and refurbishment. Correctly applied resilience should ensure that no permanent damage is caused, the structure of the building is protected and drying and cleaning are quickened.
These resilience measures are designed to reduce the amount of damage caused when water enters a building. Ideally a package of products should be used to lessen the harm that water does to a building, based on a property level flood protection survey carried out by a qualified and experienced surveyor. Most resilience measures will, however, reduce the aftermath of flooding even while you are away from your home, or if flooding arrives quickly with no warning.
(Homeowners guide to flood resilience- Know your flood risk campaign) Flood Guide For Homeowners
Examples of Flood Resilience Measures include: water compatible internal walls/flooring/steps/kitchen and bathroom fittings, sump and pump systems, and raised electrical system and appliances. See also picture above for additional suggestions on resistance and resilience measures.
You can also find further articles and publications on Flood Resilience studies and adaptations at https://floodresilience.net/solutions.
