Flooding remediation in southern Alberta
I am a small homebuilder in High River, Alberta Canada. I’m sure most of you are aware, but several weeks ago, over 80% of the 13,000 person town was flooded. Over 3000 homes with various degrees of damage.
As a 35 year veteran builder in the comminity, many are now calling on us to provide insight details for new ‘flood ready’ construction methodologies. We have been developing a few details that we are comfortable with, but I realized I’m reinventing the wheel. I presume there are a few of you who have some sucess stories that might be willing to share.
The majority of the community has full concrete basements. Most are poured walls, some CMU. Typically these would have a non-structual 2×4 framed wall inside the perimiter with batt insulation and a vapour barrier. After gutting dozens of basements like this, I am more convinced than ever that this is an inadequate solution.
Is anyone available of details for rigid or spray foam applications? Any other products that either survive a flood intact or do not support mould growth?
Thanks, appreciate the help.
Replies
I gather that you''re talking about "designed to flood" construction. Not easy, and not typically done in residences.
At a minimum you need to use closed-cell foam, but nasty water can still get behind that. Mechancals must be kept above expected water level, and wiring in the "wet" area must be waterproof or easily replaced.
I'd suggest you try to find an expert on the subject.