Climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events make flood protection systems an essential topic for homeowners. But which flood protection systems are best suited to your home? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the various system solutions and systems that can help you effectively protect your home from the devastating effects of flooding. We offer valuable tips on choosing the right protection for doors, windows, garages, and other potentially vulnerable areas of your home. Let’s discover the best measures for protecting your home together!
Key Takeaways
- Flood protection systems for doors and windows are crucial for preventing water from entering buildings; flexible solutions such as aluminum dam beams and watertight windows are particularly effective.
- Mobile flood protection systems offer homeowners flexible, quick, and easy solutions for temporary protection, including water-filled hose barriers and freestanding mobile barriers. The weight of these barriers contributes to their stability and prevents water from penetrating or knocking them over.
- Long-term structural measures and comprehensive insurance coverage are essential to minimize the financial consequences of flood damage and ensure sustainable protection.
Types of flooding and flood risks
Flooding can occur in various forms and pose different risks to houses and buildings. The following section presents the main types of flooding and their associated risks.
River flooding
River flooding occurs when a river overflows its banks due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt. This can lead to flooding in areas located near the river. River flooding can be slow and predictable or sudden and unexpected. Houses built near rivers are particularly at risk. In such cases, it is important to take preventive flood protection measures to prevent water from entering and to protect the building.
Storm surges
Storm surges occur when strong winds push water from the sea onto the coast. Severe storms often cause this type of flooding, which can inundate coastal areas.Storm surges can be very dangerous as they can occur quickly and unexpectedly. Coastal houses and buildings face particularly high risks and should use robust flood protection systems to minimize the impact of storm surges.
Flash floods
Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall occurs in a small area and the water cannot drain away quickly enough. This can lead to sudden and unexpected flooding of areas. Flash floods can be very dangerous as they can occur quickly and unexpectedly. Especially in urban areas where the ground is highly sealed, flash floods can cause significant damage to houses and buildings. Mobile flood protection systems are particularly useful here to provide short-term protection.
Flood protection systems for doors
Dam Beam System
Permanently mounted aluminum profiles with flexible dam beams for variable protection heights. Visually adaptable to the building.
Foldable Barriers
Quick to install and flexible to use. Ideal for short-term flood warnings, but limited protection capability.
Inflatable Barriers
Easy to transport and set up. Effective protection against temporary flooding, but less stable under high pressure.
Doors are often the first weak points through which water can enter a building. It is therefore crucial to equip them with suitable flood protection systems. Mobile protection systems made of materials such as aluminum, steel, concrete, or plastic can be installed quickly and offer flexible protection.
A particularly effective solution is the dam beam system. This involves permanently installing aluminum profiles, while removable dam beams can be used as needed. The dam height can be adjusted variably depending on the number of beams, allowing flexible adaptation to different flood events. Another advantage is that these aluminum profiles can be painted in any RAL color to blend harmoniously with the building’s design.
Folding or inflatable barriers offer quick deployment, but are not always the most effective protection solution. Homeowners should therefore carefully consider which system best suits their home and specific circumstances. In a critical moment, such as during heavy rain or sudden flooding, these systems can be installed quickly and offer immediate protection.
Protect windows against flooding
? Protecting Windows from Flooding
VISUAL INSERTION: Comparison of differences and functionality of all systems mentioned
Windows are also often vulnerable areas through which water can penetrate. Flood protection windows can be divided into two categories: watertight and water-resistant. While watertight windows do not allow water to pass through, water-resistant windows offer a certain degree of protection against water ingress. Reliable flood protection windows are indispensable, especially in critical areas such as basements.
Entrance thresholds and sealed basement windows can also help keep water out of buildings. An effective solution is acrylic barrier, which are mounted in front of the window and completely seal it to prevent water from entering. Aluminum structures for self-assembly must be emptied regularly to prevent water permeability.
An inconspicuous yet effective solution is the magnetic barrier, which is attached to the window from the inside. Basement windows in particular need to be completely sealed, as floodwater often enters basements first.
Flood protection for garages and light wells
| System | Protection Level | Installation | Flexibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Dam Beam System | ???? | Permanently mounted | Modular (variable height) | ??? |
| Folding Barrier System (Recommended) | ????? | Permanently mounted, foldable | Very flexible and quick to deploy | ???? |
| Glass Blocks for Light Wells | ??? | Permanently integrated | Static (no adjustment) | ?? |
| Walling of Light Wells | ???? | Structural measure | Static | ???? |
| Wide Floor Thresholds | ??? | Permanently integrated | Static | ?? |
Why the Folding Barrier System is Recommended:
The folding barrier system offers the highest level of flood protection as it is permanently mounted yet flexibly foldable. It can be quickly deployed when needed and provides a tight barrier against incoming water. Thanks to its easy handling and the ability to store it after use, it is particularly user-friendly and effective.
Garages and light wells are other potential weak points that need to be protected in the event of flooding. Suitable permanently installed flood protection systems for garages include the aluminum dam beam system and the hinged spillbarrier system. These systems are particularly important for minimizing the risks posed by flooding to garages and light wells. It is important to determine the protection height and width of the garage in order to optimally adapt the flood protection.
Light wells should be made waterproof with special covers or glass blocks. To further reduce the risk of flooding, basement light wells can also be walled in. Wide thresholds on garage ramps offer additional protection by preventing water from entering.
Secure sewerage and drainage systems
Backwater Protection
Prevents water from backing up from the sewer into the building during heavy rain.
- Operable automatically or manually
- Especially important for basements and low-lying rooms
- Regular maintenance required
Cisterns
Collect rainwater and relieve the sewer system during heavy rain.
- Versatile use (e.g. garden irrigation)
- Reduces flood risk
- Can be installed underground
Overflow Barriers
Protect lower-level entrances and basements from overflowing water from the sewer system.
- Easy to install and remove
- Flexible and mobile solutions available
- Especially useful during heavy rain events
An often underestimated area of flood protection concerns sewerage and drainage systems. Structural measures such as the installation of backflow preventers are crucial to prevent water from entering buildings. Regular maintenance of these devices is necessary to ensure their effective functioning during heavy rainfall.
The municipal sewer system can become overloaded during heavy rainfall, leading to backflow and flooding. This can result in the flooding of low-lying building entrances and basements, which can cause significant damage. Additional water storage facilities such as cisterns can help mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall.
Backflow valve
A backflow valve is a system that prevents water from flowing back into a building from the sewer system. This can occur during heavy rainfall or flooding and can lead to flooding of buildings. A backflow valve can help minimize this risk by preventing water from entering the building. Especially in low-lying parts of buildings such as basements, installing a backflow valve is an important measure to protect the house from flood damage.
By understanding the different types of flooding and risks, homeowners can take targeted measures to effectively protect their homes from the devastating effects of flooding.
Mobile flood protection systems for your home
Mobile flood protection systems offer a flexible solution for homeowners who want to protect their homes from flooding. These systems are ideal for responding to the various challenges posed by flooding. There are both mobile and semi-mobile systems that can be quickly assembled and dismantled as needed. They are particularly useful when short-term protective measures are required and offer a variety of options that can be adapted to the specific conditions of your home. Below are some of the most common mobile flood protection systems that can help you effectively protect your home.
Mobile flood protection with aluminum dam beams
Aluminum dam beams are an effective and versatile solution for mobile flood protection. These lightweight, sturdy aluminum profiles can be customized and fixed in brackets to form a tight barrier. They are particularly suitable for protecting:
- Windows
- Doors
- Garage doors
- Property boundaries
from flooding.
A major advantage of these systems is their quick installation, which can be carried out by individuals. This makes them ideal for temporary protection during heavy rain or snowmelt.
Freestanding mobile barriers
Freestanding mobile barriers consist of modular plastic elements that can be set up without tools. These lightweight, stackable elements stabilize themselves with the accumulated water and can also cover curves or corners.
Quick installation by two people and space-saving storage make these barriers a flexible and effective solution for urban environments such as streets, lawns, or driveways.
Water-filled hose barriers
Water-filled hose barriers are another mobile solution consisting of elongated hoses made of durable material. These hoses are filled with water to form an effective barrier against flooding.
These barriers are particularly suitable for larger areas such as property boundaries or along rivers and offer a high level of protection when water levels are high. They are reusable, easy to transport, and simple to assemble, making them a practical and efficient solution.
Structural measures for long-term flood protection
Long-term structural measures are important to protect your home from flooding. Preventive measures such as raising the house or installing flood protection walls can make a significant difference. It is important to understand that 100 percent protection against flooding is not possible, which is why preventive measures are essential.
One specially developed solution is the Anhamm water flap, which holds back floodwater, heavy rain, and uncontrolled amounts of water. It works purely mechanically and is independent of electrical or hydraulic energy sources, which guarantees maximum safety.
Insurance coverage for flood damage
? Fun Fact
Did you know that over 95% of all flood damages in Germany are caused by missing or inadequate backwater protection systems? With the right insurance and regular maintenance, you’ll stay on the safe side!
Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential to protect yourself from the financial consequences of flood damage and to maintain an overview.
Here are the various types of insurance that are important in this context:
- Natural disaster insurance is necessary to cover damage that is not covered by home insurance.
- Homeowners insurance covers damage to the building caused by flooding.
- Home contents insurance does not protect against natural hazards such as backwater.
Regular maintenance of backwater protection systems is crucial to maintaining insurance coverage. Property owners are responsible for backwater damage unless they have installed appropriate protection systems.
Emergency measures in the event of flooding
A well-thought-out emergency plan is essential in the event of flooding.
Here are some important elements that should be included in an emergency plan:
- Evacuation plans
- Emergency contact lists
- Rescue equipment
- Communication procedures
During flooding, do not enter riverbank areas to avoid the risk of undercutting.
It is also important to be able to continue using sanitary facilities during a backwater situation. Lifting systems and shower and toilet barriers offer reliable protection here.
Summary
In summary, there are a variety of flood protection systems available that can be customized to the needs of your home. From mobile solutions to long-term structural measures, these systems offer comprehensive protection against the devastating effects of flooding. It is crucial to be proactive and find the best solutions for your home to minimize future damage.
