Complying with Floodplain Requirements in Vulnerable Regions

Complying with Floodplain Requirements in Vulnerable Regions

* Long-Term Performance and Maintenance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Foundations

* Understanding Floodplain Designations and Regulations Affecting Foundation Repair.


Okay, so you're in a vulnerable region, thinking about foundation repair, maybe because the last big rain left you a little too nervous, and you're hearing about floodplain designations and regulations. Laser level surveys help detect foundation movement for timely repairs foundation repair service areas bedrock. It sounds like a headache, right? It can be, but it's important to understand what's going on. Think of it like this: floodplains are areas that *historically* flood. That's why they're designated. And the regulations? They're there to protect you, your neighbors, and the environment.

Basically, these regulations dictate how you can build or repair within that floodplain. Specifically for foundation repair, it gets tricky. If your property is in a designated floodplain, you can't just slap some concrete on it and call it a day. You need to consider things like the base flood elevation (BFE) – which is the estimated height the floodwaters will reach during a major flood event. Your repairs might need to elevate your structure above that BFE, or incorporate flood vents that allow water to flow through the foundation during a flood, reducing pressure and potential damage.

Why all the fuss? Well, imagine everyone building whatever they want in a floodplain. The next big flood could be catastrophic, not just for your home, but for the whole neighborhood. Plus, ignoring these regulations could mean you're denied flood insurance, leaving you financially vulnerable if the worst happens.

So, what should you do? First, figure out if your property is actually within a designated floodplain. Your local government or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center are good places to start. Then, talk to a qualified contractor who understands floodplain regulations and has experience with foundation repair in these areas. They can help you design a repair plan that meets the requirements and protects your home. In many cases, you'll need permits, and the contractor can navigate that process for you. It might seem like extra work upfront, but think of it as an investment in the long-term safety and value of your property. Ignoring the rules just isn't worth the risk.

* Identifying Properties Located in Flood Hazard Areas and Associated Risks.


Okay, so we're talking about floodplain requirements in vulnerable regions, and a big chunk of that centers around figuring out which properties are actually *in* the flood hazard area in the first place. And understanding the risks tied to those properties. It sounds straightforward, but it's often the first, and arguably the most critical, hurdle.

Think about it. You can't even *begin* to talk about proper building codes, insurance requirements, or disaster preparedness if you don't know which houses or businesses are likely to get wet. That's why accurately identifying properties within floodplains is so essential. It usually starts with FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs. These maps are supposed to delineate the areas at highest risk – the Special Flood Hazard Areas, often labeled as the 100-year floodplain. But, and this is a big but, those maps aren't always perfect. They can be outdated, use old data, or not accurately reflect localized conditions like drainage issues or the impact of new development.

So, identifying affected properties often requires a multi-pronged approach. It might involve on-the-ground surveys, elevation certificates for individual buildings, and even more sophisticated techniques like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to get a really precise picture of the terrain. Communities also need to consider future development patterns and how those might alter flood risks. Building a big shopping center upstream, for example, could drastically change the floodplain downstream.

Once you've identified the properties, then you have to grapple with the associated risks. It's not just about water getting in. It's about structural damage, potential loss of life, contamination of water supplies, disruption of essential services like power and communication, and the long-term economic impact on the community. Understanding these risks means assessing the depth and velocity of potential floodwaters, the types of building materials used, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure within the floodplain.

Ultimately, properly identifying properties in flood hazard areas and understanding the risks is the foundation for everything else. It informs building regulations, evacuation plans, insurance rates, and even land-use planning. Get it wrong, and you're setting the stage for disaster. Get it right, and you're giving a vulnerable community a fighting chance to withstand the next flood.

* Required Permits and Inspections for Foundation Work in Floodplains.


Alright, so you're thinking about foundation work in a floodplain, huh? That's a brave move, but definitely one that requires serious attention to detail. Let's talk about the necessary permits and inspections. Think of them not as roadblocks, but as your allies in protecting your investment and, frankly, ensuring the safety of anyone who might use the building.

First off, you absolutely *must* get the required permits. This isn't optional. Your local floodplain administrator (usually someone at the city or county level) is your first point of contact. They'll guide you through the specific requirements for your area. These permits are in place because foundation work in a floodplain can have significant consequences if not done correctly. We're talking about diverting floodwaters, potentially damaging neighboring properties, and even increasing the overall flood risk in the area. The permit process forces a review of your plans to make sure they meet minimum standards for flood resistance.

What kind of permits are we talking about? Well, typically you'll need a building permit, of course, but also likely a floodplain development permit. This floodplain permit will delve into the specifics of how your foundation work will impact flood elevations and flow paths. Expect to provide detailed engineering plans, elevation certificates, and possibly even a hydraulic analysis demonstrating that your project won't negatively impact the floodplain.

Then comes the inspections. Don't think you can just get the permit and then wing it. Inspections are crucial at various stages of the construction process. The inspector will be looking to ensure that the work is being done according to the approved plans and that all flood-resistant materials and techniques are being properly employed. This might include inspections of the foundation forms before pouring concrete, the placement of flood vents, and the final as-built elevation of the structure. These aren't just box-ticking exercises; they're there to catch potential problems *before* they become catastrophic during a flood event.

Ignoring these requirements is a really bad idea. Besides the obvious legal repercussions (stop-work orders, fines, even demolition in extreme cases), you're putting yourself at significant financial risk. If your foundation work isn't up to code and a flood damages the property, your insurance claim could be denied. And let's be honest, nobody wants to be dealing with that kind of headache.

So, do your homework. Contact your local floodplain administrator early in the planning process. Understand the permit requirements, schedule the necessary inspections, and work with qualified contractors who have experience in floodplain construction. It might seem like a lot of hassle upfront, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind and the long-term safety and value of your property.

* Acceptable Foundation Repair Methods for Flood-Prone Residences.


Okay, so you're building or fixing up a house in a place where the water likes to rise, huh? A floodplain. We're talking about keeping your home dry...or at least, as dry as can be when the inevitable happens. And a big part of that is getting the foundation right. It's not just about keeping the house from falling down; it's about complying with the floodplain regulations, which are there for a reason – often to keep you from making things worse for yourself and everyone else.

When it comes to acceptable foundation repair methods in flood-prone areas, forget patching and praying. You need solutions that acknowledge the reality of repeated inundation. Think elevation. Raising the entire structure above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is often the gold standard. It's a big job, involving hydraulic jacks, cribbing, and skilled contractors, but it's the most effective way to protect your home and substantially reduce flood insurance premiums.

Then there's floodproofing. This doesn't mean making the house totally waterproof, because that's usually impossible and can actually cause more damage. Instead, it's about making the foundation resistant to flood damage. That might mean sealing foundation walls with waterproof coatings and installing flood vents to allow water to enter and exit without causing hydrostatic pressure that can crack or collapse the foundation.

Another method, particularly for older homes, involves reinforcing the existing foundation. This could include adding concrete to the foundation walls, installing steel reinforcement, or even constructing a new, stronger foundation around the existing one. This helps the structure withstand the force of floodwaters.

Keep in mind, though, that none of this is a DIY project. You need a qualified structural engineer to assess the specific risks to your property and design a repair or elevation plan that complies with local floodplain ordinances. Permits are essential. You don't want to spend a fortune on repairs only to find out they're not up to code and you have to redo everything.

Ultimately, choosing the right foundation repair method in a flood-prone residence is about balancing cost, effectiveness, and compliance. It's about accepting that the water *will* come, and preparing your home to withstand it, not just for your peace of mind, but also to be a good neighbor in a vulnerable region. It's about building smart, building strong, and building in a way that respects the power of the water.

* Elevating Structures as a Flood Mitigation Strategy During Foundation Repair.


Okay, so you're dealing with a flooded foundation...and that's never fun. But let's talk about something potentially even more un-fun: floodplain regulations. Especially if you're in a vulnerable region, ignoring those can land you in seriously hot water (pun intended, I guess). When you're already facing foundation repair, the idea of complying with floodplain requirements might feel overwhelming. But think of it this way: it's an opportunity to not just fix what's broken, but to build back *stronger* and *smarter*.

One way to do that, and it's a big one, is elevating your structure. See, when you're repairing a foundation in a floodplain, you're often required to bring the lowest floor up to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). That's the level the government says flooding is likely to reach in a major flood. And raising your house? Well, that's a pretty darn effective way to do that.

Think about it practically. If you're already digging around the foundation to fix cracks, leaks, or whatever damage the flood caused, it's a natural point to consider lifting the whole thing. It might involve piling, extending foundation walls, or other engineering feats, but the result is a home that's less likely to be inundated the next time the river decides to misbehave.

It's not just about avoiding future damage, though. Elevating your structure can also significantly lower your flood insurance premiums. Insurance companies *love* seeing that you're taking proactive steps to mitigate flood risk. Plus, let's be honest, peace of mind is priceless. Knowing your home is better protected gives you a huge emotional boost.

Now, I'm not going to pretend it's easy or cheap. Elevating a house is a significant project. You'll need permits, engineering plans, and a contractor who knows what they're doing. But when you weigh the costs against the potential for future flood damage, the lower insurance rates, and the added security, elevating as part of your foundation repair can be a really smart move in a vulnerable region. It's about turning a setback into a step forward, literally and figuratively.

* Flood Insurance Considerations and Implications for Homeowners.


Complying with floodplain requirements in vulnerable regions isn't just about ticking boxes on a checklist; it's about safeguarding homes, families, and communities from the devastating impacts of flooding. And a crucial piece of that safeguarding is understanding flood insurance. For homeowners in these areas, flood insurance isn't some optional add-on; it's often a necessity, driven by a combination of federal regulations, lender requirements, and, most importantly, common sense.

Think of it this way: your home is likely your biggest investment. In a floodplain, that investment is constantly at risk. Standard homeowner's insurance policies rarely cover flood damage, leaving you exposed to potentially catastrophic financial losses. Flood insurance fills that gap, providing a safety net that can help you rebuild and recover after a flood event.

However, navigating the world of flood insurance can feel daunting. Premiums are calculated based on a variety of factors, including your property's location, elevation, and construction type. Understanding these factors and how they influence your rates is critical. Furthermore, staying informed about changes to floodplain maps and regulations is essential, as these changes can significantly impact your insurance requirements and costs.

Beyond the financial protection, flood insurance encourages responsible development within floodplains. By requiring homeowners to meet certain building standards and mitigation measures, it promotes safer construction practices and reduces the overall risk of flood damage. This, in turn, contributes to more resilient communities that are better equipped to withstand the impacts of future floods.

In short, for homeowners in vulnerable regions, flood insurance is more than just a policy; it's an investment in peace of mind, a commitment to responsible stewardship, and a vital component of building a more resilient future. Understanding the intricacies of flood insurance and proactively complying with floodplain requirements is the best way to protect your home, your family, and your community from the devastating consequences of flooding.

* Best Practices for Water Management and Drainage Around Foundations in Floodplains.


Okay, so you're building in a floodplain. Smart water management isn't just a good idea, it's practically your house's lifeline. We're talking about keeping your foundation dry and your insurance rates (relatively) sane. When you're in a vulnerable region, those floodplain requirements aren't just bureaucratic hurdles; they're there to protect you, your property, and the environment.

Thinking about water management around your foundation isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. The best practices really depend on your specific site. First, understand the lay of the land. Where's the water naturally flowing? Are there existing drainage patterns that you need to work with (or against)?

Then, focus on preventing water from ever getting *near* your foundation in the first place. This is where grading comes in. Make sure the ground slopes *away* from your house, gently guiding rainwater away. Gutters and downspouts are your friends here. Extend those downspouts far enough to discharge water well away from the foundation. Don't just let it pool right next to the wall.

But sometimes, despite your best efforts, water *will* get close. That's where subsurface drainage comes in. Think about a French drain system. It's basically a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects groundwater and directs it away. A sump pump might also be necessary if you have a basement or crawl space that's prone to flooding.

Choosing the right building materials is also crucial. Use water-resistant or waterproof materials for your foundation. Consider coatings or sealants to further protect against moisture intrusion.

And finally, don't forget about landscaping. Select plants that can tolerate wet conditions. Avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to the foundation, as their roots can damage drainage systems and potentially compromise the foundation itself. It's also a good idea to avoid using impermeable surfaces like concrete or pavers close to the foundation as these can prevent water from being absorbed into the ground.

Bottom line: thoughtful water management around your foundation in a floodplain is an investment in the long-term health and stability of your home. Doing it right not only ensures you're compliant with the rules, but also gives you peace of mind when the next big rain comes.



Merchandise on display in a hardware store
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The concept of home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating, making improvements or making additions to one's home.[1] Home improvement can consist of projects that upgrade an existing home interior (such as electrical and plumbing), exterior (masonry, concrete, siding, roofing) or other improvements to the property (i.e. garden work or garage maintenance/additions). Home improvement projects can be carried out for a number of different reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms/spaces, as a means of saving energy, or to improve safety.[2]

Types of home improvement

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Man painting a fence

While "home improvement" often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals:[citation needed]

Comfort

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  • Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Upgrading rooms with luxuries, such as adding gourmet features to a kitchen or a hot tub spa to a bathroom.
  • Increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Waterproofing basements.
  • Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.

Maintenance and repair

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Maintenance projects can include:

  • Roof tear-off and replacement.
  • Replacement or new construction windows.
  • Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
  • Repainting rooms, walls or fences
  • Repairing plumbing and electrical systems
  • Wallpapering
  • Furniture polishing
  • Plumbing, home interior and exterior works
  • Shower maintenance

Additional space

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Additional living space may be added by:

  • Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recrooms, home theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.
  • Extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof. Such a new unit of construction is called an "add-on".[3]

Saving energy

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Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:

  • Energy-efficient thermal insulation, replacement windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, programmable thermostats,[4] and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building).

Safety, emergency management, security and privacy

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The need to be safer or for better privacy or emergency management can be fulfilled with diversified measures which can be improved, maintained or added. Secret compartments and passages can also be conceived for privacy and security.

  • Interventions for fire protection and avoidance. Possible examples are fire sprinkler systems for automatic fire suppression, smoke detectors for fire detection, fire alarm systems, or passive fire protection (including some wildfire management strategies).
  • Technical solutions to increase protection from natural disasters, or geotechnical and structural safety (e.g. hurricane or seismic retrofit).
  • Interventions and additions to increase home safety from other hazards, like falls, electric injuries, gas leaks or home exposure to environmental health concerns.
  • Physical security measures:
    • Access control systems and physical barriers, which can include fences, physical door and window security measures (e.g. grilles, laminated glass, window shutters), locks;
    • Security lighting, security alarms and video surveillance.
  • Safes and vaults.
  • Spaces for emergency evacuation, like emergency exits and rarer escape tunnels.
  • Spaces which provide protection in the event of different emergencies: areas of refuge, storm cellars (as protection from tornadoes and other kinds of severe weather), panic rooms, bunkers and bomb shelters (including fallout shelters), etc.
  • Home renovations or additions used to increase privacy can be as simple as curtains or much more advanced, such as some structural surveillance counter-measures. They may overlap with physical security measures.
  • Public utility outage preparedness, like backup generators for providing power during power outages .

Home improvement industry

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Screws and bolts in an OBI home improvement store in Poland

Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States,[5] and a $48 billion industry in Canada.[6][full citation needed] The average cost per project is $3,000 in the United States and $11,000–15,000 in Canada.

Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman Empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.[7]

Renovation contractors

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Perhaps the most important or visible professionals in the renovation industry are renovation contractors or skilled trades. These are the builders that have specialized credentials, licensing and experience to perform renovation services in specific municipalities.

While there is a fairly large "grey market" of unlicensed companies, there are those that have membership in a reputable association and/or are accredited by a professional organization. Homeowners are recommended to perform checks such as verifying license and insurance and checking business references prior to hiring a contractor to work on their house.

Because interior renovation will touch the change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc.

Aggregators

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Aggregators are companies that bundle home improvement service offers and act as intermediary agency between service providers and customers.

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Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.[8] Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

Movies that poked fun at the difficulties involved include: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy; George Washington Slept Here (1942), featuring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan; and The Money Pit (1986), with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes.

See also

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  • Home repair
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance, repair and operations

References

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  1. ^ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/home-improvement
  2. ^ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/home-improvements
  3. ^ "Add-on". English Oxford Living Dictionary (US). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on February 21, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  4. ^ Use a Programmable Thermostat, Common Sense, to Reduce Energy Bills Archived July 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Brett Freeman, oldhouseweb.com
  5. ^ "Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2007" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  6. ^ "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement". Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  7. ^ "Canada Homeowners Community - Example of Low-Cost Advices used by Canadian Homeowners (Community) for Home Improvement that boost the sale of your Home". Canada Homeowners Community. January 12, 2020.
  8. ^ Cerone, Daniel (September 17, 1991). "Tim Allen's Power Tools : Television: The comic who had Disney and cable executives abuzz parlayed his luck to develop 'Home Improvement". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.

Further reading

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  • Richard Harris, Building a Market: The Rise of the Home Improvement Industry, 1914-1960. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
  • Michael W. Litchfield (2012). Chip Harley (ed.). Renovation (4th, Completely revised and updated. ed.). Newtown, Conn.: Taunton Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1600854927.
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  • Media related to Home improvement at Wikimedia Commons

 

Interior of part of a damaged home in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
Family photographs damaged by flooding
A smaller and more minor water spot caused by rainwater leaking through a roof

Water damage describes various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, short-circuiting of electrical devices, etc.

The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as burst pipes and flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property.

An insurance policy may or may not cover the costs associated with water damage and the process of water damage restoration. While a common cause of residential water damage is often the failure of a sump pump, many homeowner's insurance policies do not cover the associated costs without an addendum which adds to the monthly premium of the policy. Often the verbiage of this addendum is similar to "Sewer and Drain Coverage".

In the United States, those individuals who are affected by wide-scale flooding may have the ability to apply for government and FEMA grants through the Individual Assistance program.[1] On a larger level, businesses, cities, and communities can apply to the FEMA Public Assistance program for funds to assist after a large flood. For example, the city of Fond du Lac Wisconsin received $1.2 million FEMA grant after flooding in June 2008. The program allows the city to purchase the water damaged properties, demolish the structures, and turn the former land into public green space.[citation needed]

Causes

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Water damage can originate by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, flood waters, groundwater seepage, building envelope failures (leaking roof, windows, doors, siding, etc.) and clogged toilets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks.[2] On average that is approximately 10,000 gallons of water per year wasted by leaks for each US home. A tiny, 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day.[3] According to Claims Magazine in August 2000, broken water pipes ranked second to hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claims (on average $50,000 per insurance claim[citation needed]) costs in the US.[4] Experts suggest that homeowners inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water at least once a year. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, and bathroom lavatories, refrigerator icemakers, water softeners, and humidifiers. A few US companies offer whole-house leak protection systems utilizing flow-based technologies. A number of insurance companies offer policyholders reduced rates for installing a whole-house leak protection system.

As far as insurance coverage is concerned, damage caused by surface water intrusion to the dwelling is considered flood damage and is normally excluded from coverage under traditional homeowners' insurance. Surface water is water that enters the dwelling from the surface of the ground because of inundation or insufficient drainage and causes loss to the dwelling. Coverage for surface water intrusion[5] to the dwelling would usually require a separate flood insurance policy.

Categories

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There are three basic categories of water damage, based on the level of contamination.

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "clean water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as "grey water". This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 Water - Known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, storm surge, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.[6]

Classes

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Class of water damage is determined by the probable rate of evaporation based on the type of materials affected, or wet, in the room or space that was flooded. Determining the class of water damage is an important first step, and will determine the amount and type of equipment utilized to dry-down the structure.[7]

Class 1 - Slow Rate of Evaporation. Affects only a portion of a room. Materials have a low permeance/porosity. Minimum moisture is absorbed by the materials. **IICRC s500 2016 update adds that class 1 be indicated when <5% of the total square footage of a room (ceiling+walls+floor) are affected **

Class 2 - Fast Rate of Evaporation. Water affects the entire room of carpet and cushion. May have wicked up the walls, but not more than 24 inches. **IICRC s500 2016 update adds that class 2 be indicated when 5% to 40% of the total square footage of a room (ceiling+walls+floor) are affected **

Class 3 - Fastest Rate of Evaporation. Water generally comes from overhead, affecting the entire area; walls, ceilings, insulation, carpet, cushion, etc. **IICRC s500 2016 update adds that class 3 be indicated when >40% of the total square footage of a room (ceiling+walls+floor) are affected **

Class 4 - Specialty Drying Situations. Involves materials with a very low permeance/porosity, such as hardwood floors, concrete, crawlspaces, gypcrete, plaster, etc. Drying generally requires very low specific humidity to accomplish drying.

Restoration

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Water damage restoration can be performed by property management teams, building maintenance personnel, or by the homeowners themselves; however, contacting a certified professional water damage restoration specialist is often regarded as the safest way to restore water damaged property. Certified professional water damage restoration specialists utilize psychrometrics to monitor the drying process.[8]

Standards and regulation

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While there are currently no government regulations in the United States dictating procedures, two certifying bodies, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the RIA, do recommend standards of care. The current IICRC standard is ANSI/IICRC S500-2021.[9] It is the collaborative work of the IICRC, SCRT, IEI, IAQA, and NADCA.

Fire and Water Restoration companies are regulated by the appropriate state's Department of Consumer Affairs - usually the state contractors license board. In California, all Fire and Water Restoration companies must register with the California Contractors State License Board.[10] Presently, the California Contractors State License Board has no specific classification for "water and fire damage restoration."

Procedures

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Water damage restoration is often prefaced by a loss assessment and evaluation of affected materials. The damaged area is inspected with water sensing equipment such as probes and other infrared tools in order to determine the source of the damage and possible extent of areas affected. Emergency mitigation services are the first order of business. Controlling the source of water, removal of non-salvageable materials, water extraction and pre-cleaning of impacted materials are all part of the mitigation process. Restoration services would then be rendered to the property in order to dry the structure, stabilize building materials, sanitize any affected or cross-contaminated areas, and deodorize all affected areas and materials. After the labor is completed, water damage equipment including air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, wood floor drying systems, and sub-floor drying equipment is left in the residence. The goal of the drying process is to stabilize the moisture content of impacted materials below 15%, the generally accepted threshold for microbial amplification. Industry standards state that drying vendors should return at regular time intervals, preferably every twenty-four hours, to monitor the equipment, temperature, humidity, and moisture content of the affected walls and contents.[6] In conclusion, key aspects of water damage restoration include fast action, adequate equipment, moisture measurements, and structural drying. Dehumidification is especially crucial for structural components affected by water damage, such as wooden beams, flooring, and drywall.

See also

[edit]
  • Indoor mold

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Individual Disaster Assistance". DisasterAssistance.gov. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
  2. ^ "How We Use Water". 16 January 2017.
  3. ^ The University of Maine Corporate Extension – www.umext.maine.edu
  4. ^ Herndon Jr., Everette L.; Yang, Chin S. (August 2000). "Mold & Mildew: A Creeping Catastrophe". Claims Magazine. Archived from the original on 2000-08-15. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  5. ^ Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance. December 2013.
  6. ^ "Water Damage Restoration Guideline" (PDF). Northern Arizona University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  7. ^ "The Basics Of Water Damage Restoration Training". www.iicrc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  8. ^ "Chapter 6: Psychrometry and the Science of Drying". IICRC Standards Subscription Site. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  9. ^ "ANSI/IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration". IICRC. 22 December 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  10. ^ "California Contractors State License Board". State of California. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
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Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

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