Flood Protection Guide
A practical guide prepared by
The Scottish Flood Forum
IMAGE: The cover shows the Scottish Flood Forum logo with the words “Scottish Flood Forum” and “supporting flood risk communities”. It also shows the title “Flood Protection Guide”, the subtitle “A practical guide prepared by The Scottish Flood Forum”, a Floodline badge with the text “Floodline 0345 988 1188 floodlinescotland.org.uk”, and a Ready Scotland logo.
Contents
Finding the right flood protection product for any property that is at risk of flooding can be difficult. There are a lot of products on the market designed for as many situations as there are properties. The aim of this booklet is to show a small sample of products that are available, to enable you the property owner to understand what each product does. This guide was not designed to show every product available or to replace the information on the manufacturer’s web site. We would add that the Scottish Flood Forum can provide additional information on products or a home survey if required - please contact us.
The property flood protection products shown in this brochure are for illustrative purposes only. The inclusion of any product in this booklet does not imply any endorsement of the product by the Scottish Flood Forum, due to the wide variety of possible locations Flood Protection Products could potentially be used in. The Scottish Flood Forum gives no warranties as to the quality or suitability of the flood protection products shown and excludes, so far as may be allowed by law, any warranties express or implied by statute, common law or otherwise.
If you would like a property assessment or additional information please contact The Scottish Flood Forum - www.scottishfloodforum.org or 0131 563 9392
- What we do — 3
- Am I at risk from flooding? — 4
- How flood water enters into a property — 5
- Flood products — 6
- Flood kit - grab bag — 15
What we do
The Scottish Flood Forum:
- We support a network of over 80 active community resilience groups in flood risk areas throughout Scotland.
- Provide advice on flood resilience including a property flood protection survey.
- Run a dedicated web site with up to date information – www.scottishfloodforum.org.
Community Involvement
- Public meetings.
- Mediation between communities, local authorities and other agencies.
- Flood warden schemes.
- Local information advice centres during flooding.
- Help and advice in obtaining Insurance cover.
- Business continuity training for SME’s.
- Flood protection exhibitions and flood awareness days.
- Community emergency plan guidance and help.
- Our aim is to plan with Flood Risk Communities.
Recovery Support
- Rapid deployment of recovery advice and strategy to flooded communities, Local Authorities, individuals and businesses.
- Practical support, empathy and a listening ear to communities and individuals following a flood incident.
- A dedicated information line and enquiries number - 0131 563 9392.
- Help and advice to resolve issues regarding restoration of property, insurance claims etc. following a flood.
Am I at risk from flooding?
Is my home at risk of flooding?
Burst pipes, close to a water course, blocked drains are ways a property can be flooded. SEPA have a web site that enables anyone living in Scotland to find out their flood risk from either water courses or coastal flooding. www.sepa.org.uk/flooding
How would flood water get into my house? See diagram overleaf.
What is the depth of flood water? – local knowledge, the local library, local press archives or SEPA may be able to assist you with the answers.
How often might flooding occur?
Sign up to Floodline: floodlinescotland.org.uk
How long would the flooding last depends on the location of your property, and the ability to get water away, this may be via drains, watercourses, pump out. Again local knowledge may help.
The extent of the damage is going to be determined by the type of property – house or bungalow, construction, and depth of water, put simply – floodwater in a home destroys everything it comes into contact with.
How will the flood affect me? You may have to move out of your property for at least six months. It affects relationships; family life, finances, insurance and the impact may be felt for many years.
IMAGE: A flow diagram headed “Am I at risk from flooding?” contains the following text: “Is my home at risk of flooding? Burst pipes, close to a water course, blocked drains are ways a property can be flooded. SEPA have a web site that enables anyone living in Scotland to find out their flood risk from either water courses or coastal flooding. www.sepa.org.uk/flooding”; “How would flood water get into my house? See diagram overleaf.”; “What is the depth of flood water? – local knowledge, the local library, local press archives or SEPA may be able to assist you with the answers.”; “How often might flooding occur? Sign up to Floodline: floodlinescotland.org.uk”; “How long would the flooding last depends on the location of your property, and the ability to get water away, this may be via drains, watercourses, pump out. Again local knowledge may help.”; “The extent of the damage is going to be determined by the type of property – house or bungalow, construction, and depth of water, put simply – floodwater in a home destroys everything it comes into contact with.”; and “How will the flood affect me? You may have to move out of your property for at least six months. It affects relationships; family life, finances, insurance and the impact may be felt for many years.”
How flood water enters into a property
Doors, low windows, air bricks, broken brickwork, backflow up through the toilet, ground water ‘rising up’ under the floor, are just a few of the many ways water can enter a property.
IMAGE: A house cross-section diagram shows floodwater entering through gaps around pipes and cables that pass through walls and floors, party walls from a flooded neighbouring property, cracks in brickwork, air bricks, gaps and cracks in door and window sealant, permeable brickwork and weathered or damaged mortar, a damp-proof course, overloaded drainage or a blocked sewer, and seepage through the ground into floors of basements and cellars.
However there is much that can be done to minimise the entry of water into a property – that is partly the purpose of this booklet, to help and inform.
No two properties are the same; however the Scottish Flood Forum does provide a property flood protection assessment – so why not ask your friends and neighbours to get together and let us visit you with independent informed free advice and information.
Flood products
Air Brick Covers
Air brick cover - with clip on cover
The blue frame is preinstalled to the wall on top of the air brick, using sealant and screws. In a flood situation the red cover is clipped to the frame ensuring a water tight seal. After the event the red cover is removed leaving the blue frame ready for the next deployment. Currently supplied in single size only at present.
IMAGE: A red removable cover is clipped beside a blue frame installed over an air brick.
Air brick cover – with frame
These air brick covers – work by fixing a secure frame directly to the wall over the air brick – the frames are permanently left in position, with the covers being fixed to the frame to prevent flood water entering the property - and removed after the event. Comes in a variety of sizes.
IMAGE: Two air brick covers with permanent frames are mounted on a stone wall.
Air brick cover – fastened directly to wall
These air brick covers are fastened directly to the wall with either four or two wall bolts, which need to be preinstalled, in a flood situation the bolts secure the cover to the wall with a neoprene seal to prevent water getting into the air brick.
IMAGE: A blue air brick cover and a separate dark sealing panel are shown against a brick wall.
Air brick cover – permanent
Air brick covers permanently fitted to walls, which can be over painted. There are two expanding bungs which are fitted into the holes (black) near the bottom of the cover in times of flooding but are removed to allow the property to breathe.
IMAGE: White permanent air brick covers are fitted to a low concrete wall.
Air brick cover – snorkel
This snorkel air brick cover is permanently fixed to the wall over the air brick, which in the photo is just above ground level. The vents of the cover are now above flood water height - and allow the property to breathe yet prevent the ingress of flood water. Very effective on vents which are close to the floor and come in a variety of different heights.
IMAGE: A tall white snorkel air brick cover extends upwards from a wall so that its vents are above likely floodwater level.
Air brick cover – simple single fastening
This air brick cover is fixed quickly and simply with a single fastening through the centre of the air brick. Its advantage is no predrilled holes in the wall, the neoprene seal is very effective at keeping flood water from flowing into the property. The cover is easily removed once the risk of flooding has passed.
IMAGE: A square grey air brick cover is secured to a wall with a single central fastening.
Automatic air brick
These air bricks are designed to replace your existing air brick, fitted to your property. They work by preventing water from the outside of the property entering the solum. They do this with a clever floating ball arrangement which seals the ventilation hole when flood water reaches the air brick. Some manufacturers use a flap valve instead. Although more expensive than some products, they are a fit once protection to the property. They have the advantage of working even if you are away from the property on holiday or at work.
IMAGE: Red automatic air bricks are installed in a brick wall.
Parts of the automatic air brick cover is easily removed once the risk of flooding has passed.
IMAGE: An exploded product illustration shows the parts of an automatic air brick cover, including the air brick casing, removable front grille, internal components, seals and a British Board of Agrément logo.
Door Barriers
Door barriers are supplied in differing styles in this case a preinstalled frame is attached to the property – this provides a secure and water tight fitting to which the flood door is attached. The barrier is curved to cope with the pressure of flood water. When the barrier is removed the frame remains ready for the next deployment.
IMAGE: A person is fitting a curved white flood barrier into a frame across a doorway.
A typical door barrier frame fitted to the exterior brickwork in this case to the main door. Note the frame is fitted to the threshold step, and the subsequent below ground level hole covered with a removable plate. The plate is lifted to gain access to the whole frame in case of a flood situation, the Barrier then being clipped in place.
IMAGE: A doorway is shown with a permanently installed frame around the threshold and sides of the door.
Sectional door barriers
Garages or wider opening are always more difficult to prevent flood water entering the property, This type of product consists of 4 long panels (can be more) stacked on top of each other – each one interlocking into the other – and forming an effective barrier. Removal allows the garage to be used by cars as normal. They are supplied in shorter lengths for standard door openings.
IMAGE: Four horizontal silver barrier panels are stacked across a doorway in a stone wall.
Door barrier - expands to fit
No frames, just a simple expansion system which allows one flood barrier to fit a number of different size openings. A very effective system but product can be a little heavy if used by the elderly. The reverse view of this flood barrier is also shown above.
IMAGE: A blue expanding flood barrier is fitted across an interior doorway; a second view shows its expanding mechanism.
Conservatory door barrier
Conservatories like garages often are more difficult to protect because of the span of the doors. These door barriers blend in well with the existing uPVC doors – the frames which are pre installed to which the barriers are fitted come in a variety of different colours.
IMAGE: White curved barriers are installed across the lower sections of several conservatory door openings.
Door barriers can remove much of the worry and fear of flooding. Here a typical door barrier has just been installed – with the property owner within the home, being shown how to fit the barrier in case of a flood. In this case the barrier is installed to the outer brickwork of the property by a permanently fixed frame.
IMAGE: Two people demonstrate fitting a white flood barrier while another person observes inside the property.
Some door barriers are versatile enough to be used across window openings, where the windows are low enough to be vulnerable to flood risk. In this case the whole estate were equipped with identical products.
IMAGE: A white flood barrier is installed across the lower part of a window opening.
This type of barrier uses a simple clip arrangement to secure it to a preinstalled frame. Each panel is quite light weight and can be used by people who find it difficult to lift heavier objects. This barrier can be used for garage doors as well as other openings. Depending on the property It is not limited to a fixed height of 600 mm as some barriers are – but seek advice first.
IMAGE: A lightweight white multi-panel barrier is clipped across a doorway.
This water proof door is designed and manufactured with a special seal between the frame and the door, which effectively prevents water from entering the property.
IMAGE: A red-brown external door with a glazed side panel is shown as a waterproof door.
The door is designed to blend in with the property and there is nothing which would identify it as being an effective flood barrier. Advantages are that when the door is closed the flood protection is immediately effective.
Audible warning alarm
Worried about flooding, this simple battery powered alarm is placed at a suitable spot in the garden. When the flood water reaches that point the alarm is triggered, giving you additional warning.
IMAGE: A green, dome-shaped audible flood warning alarm is shown.
Commercial Barriers
This is a simple steel gate, which provides full protection against flooding to commercial premises. When a flood warning is given the gate is closed thus sealing the property off from any flood water.
IMAGE: A large brown steel flood gate is closed across the entrance to commercial premises.
To prevent flood water from affecting a group of houses this water activated hydraulic barrier was installed to a Scottish housing estate The surrounding walls also act as a flood defence barrier, when lowered the barrier is flush to the ground, when raised the barrier reaches to the top of the wall, about 1m.
IMAGE: A hydraulic flood barrier is shown raised across a road entrance between stone walls.
These barriers are quite versatile in that they can be erected and dismantled relatively quickly even able to go around corners. The steel frame is interlinked together and a waterproof sheet is installed over the frame. This is more than sufficient to prevent flood water from reaching critical infrastructure. In this case electrical control equipment. The barriers come in a range of different heights, from 500mm up to 3m.
IMAGE: A temporary interlinked steel-frame and waterproof-sheet barrier protects electrical equipment in a flooded electrical substation.
Sand Bags
Note water being pumped out.
This photo says it all, sand bags are not water proof. They should only be used as a last resort and if there is nothing else to use. Always keep a plastic sheet available to reduce the seepage of flood water into the property, and place the sand bags on top of the plastic.
IMAGE: Sandbags are stacked outside a door while a hose pumps water away, illustrating that sandbags are not waterproof.
Synthetic sand bags
Synthetic sand bags – do not contain sand but a special polymer, they are inexpensive and very light unlike sand bags, can be deployed extremely quickly and prevent water from passing through them. They are activated by immersing in water for a few minutes, and molded to fit the location where they are to be used, in this case across a door way and stacked on top of each other up to a height of about 12 – 18 ins. Some can be dried and reused, others are square these here are rectangular.
IMAGE: Expanded pink synthetic sandbags are arranged across a doorway.
Floodlock door protection - easy to fit within a door frame. The strips absorb liquid and swell to seal against flood water. An effective product that comes with a 5yr shelf life.
IMAGE: Floodlock strips are fitted along the bottom of a door to seal the gap against floodwater.
Valves
Sewage non-return valve - keeping sewage from back flowing into the property through the toilet is often overlooked. Flap valves like the one shown are installed between the property and the main sewer, or between the septic tank and the property. They need to be installed by a plumber, as they need to be accessible incase of blockage.
IMAGE: A sewage non-return flap valve is shown.
Miscellaneous
Water ingress in solum (under floor void)
This is what happens when flood water is allowed to enter through the air bricks. In this case water came to a height of 18” - if sufficient water enters the solum can fill with water up to the joists and subsequently to the floor boards. Flood water to this depth requires extensive drying out, often including removal of the floor and joists to ensure proper drying.
IMAGE: A low under-floor void contains standing floodwater beneath timber floor joists.
Sump pumps
Sump pumps – are inexpensive and invaluable in removing water from the solum (under floor void). They can be moved around wherever water may be entering the property. When pumps are fitted to the solum and the water activated, float switch allows the pump to remove water as soon as it reaches a fixed depth. Always use your pump with a RCB safety switch, beware water and electricity are dangerous.
We suggest a pump capacity of 500 ltr per min.
IMAGE: A black submersible sump pump with a hose attached is shown outside a property.
Inflatable toilet bungs
Inflatable toilet bungs - toilets can in flood conditions back flow sewage directly into your home, especially if you have a ground floor toilet, or a septic tank. These bungs are placed into the U bend, where they are inflated which prevents sewage adding to the situation.
IMAGE: An inflatable blue toilet bung is shown positioned in a toilet, with its hose and inflation bulb.
Micro air vents
Micro air vents – are fitted to many domestic properties throughout Scotland. There are commercially made rubber seals which fit over the vents, however a strip of adhesive flash band obtainable from most DIY shops, and cut to shape will work as well.
IMAGE: A hand holds a black rubber seal beside a small air vent in a brick wall.
It’s not just doors and air brick covers that need to be protected. Ensure that pipes and holes in walls are sealed with water proof mastic or silicone sealant. Don’t forget to check on your gas and electricity boxes, seal pipes and cables too if they are low down.
IMAGE: A pipe passing through a brick wall is sealed around its opening.
Persistent damp
Persistent damp – can often be caused by soil piling up against brickwork. This can be through the movement of soil over time. The ideal solution is to cut back soil from the walls of the house and back fill the trench with gravel, this allows surface or ground water to drain away, and prevent water migration up the walls.
IMAGE: Soil has been excavated from beside a brick wall to expose the lower brickwork and drainage area.
This barrier is unique in the way that once rolled out, it self deploys. It uses the weight of the water to hold the water back. The water lifts the top of the barrier and weighs the base down, forming a seal. By utilising this unique self-opening method, the barrier reduces the time, effort and number of people needed to deploy the system, making this a truly rapid flood or water diversion barrier.
IMAGE: A rolled-out Water-Gate barrier is shown deployed on a wet surface.
IMAGE: A long orange self-deploying flood barrier is installed along a flooded residential street.
Emergency Flood kit - grab bag
Being prepared will make things so much easier if your home is ever flooded or affected by severe weather damage. Putting together an emergency flood kit ‘grab bag’ is a key way of minimising the risks and surviving the worst, if you choose to stay in your home or are evacutated to a rest centre.
A typical grab bag
IMAGE: A typical grab bag contains emergency supplies, including toiletries, food, lights, batteries and first-aid materials.
IMAGE: Waterproof clothing and boots.
IMAGE: Food and energy bars.
IMAGE: Medication and prescriptions.
Suggested contents
- water carrier / bottled water
- light sticks / torch & batteries
- wind-up radio
- toilet roll
- whistle / first aid kit
- money / bank card
- baby’s bottle, food and nappies
- disinfectant hand gel
- rubber gloves
- camera
- analogue telephone
IMAGE: Toys and games.
IMAGE: A torch and batteries.
The Scottish Flood Forum
www.scottishfloodforum.org
0131 563 9392
We can help you:
- with informed impartial help and guidance in making the best choice of property flood protection
- with advice on what to do before, during and after a flood
- if you have problems getting (or keeping) buildings or contents insurance, particularly cover for flood damage
- with advice and support via our information line and enquiries number - 0131 563 9392
- with lots of relevant and useful information about flooding – check out our website www.scottishfloodforum.org
- bring your community together to plan and prepare in advance of a flood
The Scottish Flood Forum is a charitable organisation devoted to providing help, support and assistance to both individuals and communities that are, or have been, at risk of flooding. Our work is made possible through funding from the Scottish Government.
- Phone Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visit www.floodlinescotland.org.uk to sign up to receive free flood messages for your area.
- Contact the Scottish Flood Forum at enquiries@scottishfloodforum.org or on 0131 563 9392 to receive useful information about flooding.
The Scottish Flood Forum is a registered charity: SC043783
IMAGE: The closing page displays the Scottish Flood Forum logo with the words “Scottish Flood Forum” and “supporting flood risk communities”.