Systems and Materials to Prevent Floodwaters from Entering Buildings

Abstract : This report presents the results of studies of methods and materials to protect homes and other buildings from flood damage. Studies are described that were conducted to (a) determine block-wall integrity, (b) test various sealing materials, (c) test protective systems installed on prototype dwellings, and (d) evaluate various systems currently being using to prevent flood damage to homes and buildings. This study does not attempt to develop detailed solutions to the total problem of protecting homes from flooding. The author presents pertinent findings obtained during laboratory and prototype tests that should be useful to homeowners and contractors attempting to make buildings resistant to floodwaters. Originator-supplied keywords include: Brick-veneer walls, Buildings, Coatings, Concrete-block walls, Flood damage, Flood-resistant systems, Flood-resistant testing, Hydrostatic water pressure, Impermeable materials, Permeability, Prototype tests, Seepage, Wall damage.