Flood Risk Mitigation & Drainage Strategy

There has been a growing discussion in recent years, especially as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather, about how to protect properties from rising water. While it is virtually impossible to "flood proof" a house entirely, following specific structural and landscaping tips can significantly prevent or negate potential damage.

In Canada, where spring snowmelt and intense rainstorms are common, a proactive approach saves homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. Here is a closer look at how to reduce flood risk from both a structural and internal standpoint.

Options to help to avoid flooding on a foundation

When analyzing where to build and how to prevent damage, a great place to start is exploring options for your foundation. Since the foundation is the basis of any house, there is nothing more important than fortifying this area to prevent structural failure.

Avoid building on floodplains: This may seem obvious, but many prospective homeowners are unfamiliar with how home designs and flood zones correlate. By researching the area and understanding the 100 year flood levels in your desired location, you can make informed decisions before breaking ground.
Elevate your foundation: Elevation is essential for risk reduction. This can mean raising the entirety of your home’s platform on stilts or piers, which is especially useful for homes alongside rivers or coastlines. Another option is building your home on a reinforced bank of earth or high concrete plinth, though you must be aware of erosion in these cases.
Install floodwalls: Historically used to shield entire towns, floodwalls can also protect individual homes. These sturdy, sealed barriers block water from breaching the property and can be customized with landscaping to blend in with your siding or garden design.

What to install during construction to help prevent flooding

Both flooding and standing water are issues no property owner wants to deal with. Each can cause foundation damage and accelerate the erosion of asphalt or pavers. Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways to protect your home during the construction phase.

Permeable pavers: These systems are uniquely designed to prevent the buildup of surface water. Consisting of open cells filled with gravel or grass, permeable pavers allow water to absorb directly into the ground rather than pooling on the surface. This differs greatly from standard asphalt or concrete, which tends to force runoff toward your foundation.
Slot drains: These play a major role in surface water management. Featuring a modern and sleek design, slot drains eliminate water buildup by incorporating a linear design that handles runoff discreetly and effectively.
Trench drains: Commonly used for driveways and sidewalks, trench drains collect and divert high volumes of water to a designated outlet. These systems are specifically designed to handle the heavy rain and rapid meltwater typical of the Canadian climate.
Sump pumps: These devices are excellent at pumping water out of a home, particularly in basements. High quality sump pumps often have battery backups in case of power outages during a storm, ensuring they can safely remove water and return it outside. It is always advised to plan for a sump pump pit early in your construction project to avoid expensive retrofits.

While the future of our climate is impossible to predict, rain storms and snowmelt are a given. Taking these steps can instill a sense of comfort and prevent costly damages in the event of bad storms.

Have questions about the best drainage solutions for your property? Contact us at Vodaland Canada and explore the most effective systems on the market.