GB2371587A

GB2371587A - Flood protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2371587A
Application number: GB0102036A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ralph Victor Round
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-26
Filing date: 2001-01-26
Publication date: 2002-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-26
Also published as: GB2371587B; GB0102036D0

Description

FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM This invention relates to a flood protection system for buildings. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to buildings in low-lying areas that are susceptible to flooding when rivers burst their banks.

In recent years, changes in weather patterns have produced more frequent occurrences of extreme conditions. These changes are believed by many to be a result of global warming caused by damage to the ozone layer.

Particular problems arise following excessive rainfall with many rivers unable to cope with the sudden increase in water flow and bursting their banks to flood the surrounding area.

As a result, flooding is occurring more regularly and many areas previously considered safe from flooding are increasingly at risk of flooding.

Flooding causes damage both to the structure of buildings and to their contents often requiring repairs to the structure and replacement of possessions such as carpets, furniture and electrical equipment.

As a result, making good flood damage incurs significant costs and it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain insurance in areas where flooding has occurred or is known to be a risk.

The risk of flooding and the problems of obtaining insurance cover can have a significant effect on the value of properties in flood areas and, in the worst cases where flooding has occurred regularly, many properties are unsaleable.

Thus, many householders are faced with having to underwrite their own losses from flood damage with no prospect of being able to move to an area free from flooding risk.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system to protect buildings when flooding occurs. In this respect, there have been many proposals for temporarily blocking doorways and windows with removable panels when flooding occurs. These do not, however, provide effective protection against penetration of water through the walls and/or floors of a building as the flood level rises and the problems from flooding persist.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

Thus it is an object of this invention to provide a flood protection system that is effective to prevent water penetrating inside a building when flooding occurs.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a flood protection system for a building comprising means providing a waterproof barrier on at least the external walls and/or floor of a building, the barrier extending to a pre-determined flood level, and means for blocking any exit door, window or other opening in the external walls up to the flood level.

The present invention provides an integrated system which protects both openings such as doors and windows but also prevents water entering the building through the walls and/or floor.

In this way, the invented flood protection system can prevent damage to the structure and contents of a building when flooding occurs.

It will readily be appreciated this not only saves the occupants from considerable discomfort and distress but also reduces the inconvenience and cost of repairing damage caused by flooding to the structure of buildings and/or to the contents.

As a result, it is envisaged that properties protected by the invented system would no longer be considered an unacceptable risk by insurance companies and would become saleable again.

Preferably, the barrier means for the walls and/or floor of the building is arranged and adapted to remain in place when fitted. As a result, the barrier means provides permanent protection up to the flood level and does not have to be erected each time there is a risk of flooding. This is seen to be a significant advantage of the invented system as flooding can often occur quickly with little or no advance warning leaving insufficient time to erect a suitable temporary flood defence system.

The barrier means may be applied in situ to the walls and/or floor, for example by spraying with a suitable material which sets on hardening to adhere to the walls and/or floors to provide a waterproof membrane lining the walls and floor. For example, plastics materials with optional reinforcing materials such as GRP (glass reinforced plastics) of the type used to construct the hulls of boats may be used.

The walls and/or floor may be pre-treated with an adhesive material to assist bonding of the membrane. Alternatively or additionally, the walls and/or floor may be provided with reinforcing means to provide a key for retaining the membrane. For example, spaced apart inserts of corrosion resistant material fixed to the walls and/or floor which are embedded in the membrane.

In another arrangement, the barrier means comprises a system of preformed waterproof panels secured to the walls and/or floor by any suitable means with means sealing between abutting edges of the panels to produce a waterproof membrane lining the walls and floors.

The panels may comprise a core covered on each side with a skin of waterproof material. For example, the core may comprise a foamed plastics material with a skin of plastics material on each side. This construction provides panels that are easy to handle and can be cut to any desired size and/or shape.

The panels may be secured by any suitable fixings such as bolts of corrosion resistant material and sealed relative to the panels.

Alternatively or additionally, the panels may be bonded to the walls and/or floor with suitable adhesive.

Once installed, the barrier means provides a permanent waterproof membrane lining the walls and/or floor to prevent water penetrating through the walls and/or floor to the interior of the building.

Whichever system of installing the membrane is employed, i. e. in situ or pre-formed panels, the resulting membrane preferably provides a smooth surface on the walls to simulate the finish provided by a plastered wall. In this way, the walls can be decorated with paint, wallpaper or other conventional method. As a result, the presence of the membrane is concealed and does not detract from the appearance of the walls. Likewise, the membrane provides a smooth surface on the floor which can be covered with conventional floor coverings such as carpet, vinyl, tiles etc.

The membrane can be incorporated when constructing a new building to provide protection against flooding. In this arrangement, the membrane may be applied to the brickwork or over a plaster finish.

The membrane can also be retro-fitted in existing buildings at risk from flooding to prevent flooding in the future. In this arrangement, the membrane can be applied over a plaster finish or the plaster finish can be removed to expose the brickwork prior to applying the membrane.

When fitting the membrane, all electrical fittings such as sockets, switches etc and wiring can be installed above the level of the membrane and/or surface fitted on the membrane. In this way, the electrical system is protected from water penetration and the power supply can be maintained when the building is exposed to flooding.

Maintaining power for lighting, heating and cooking is an important benefit of the flood protection system and may allow people to continue to live in the building when flooding occurs if it is safe to do so.

The means for blocking the exit doors and, where required, windows preferably comprises a panel of waterproof material detachably located and retained over the opening to be sealed. The panel may be of any suitable construction capable of withstanding the pressure of water when flooding occurs.

Accordingly, unlike the barrier means which is permanently in place to provide protection against flooding, the door and/or window panels are fitted when there is a risk of flooding and removed at other times.

The door and/or window panels may be secured and sealed relative to the building by any suitable means such as bolts. More preferably, the door

and/or window panels are located and retained by a frame permanently attached to the building to allow the panels to be fitted quickly and easily to seal the doors and/or windows when required.

Additional protection may be provided if desired by lining internal walls and temporarily blocking internal doors to provide one or more watertight compartments so that, if any water penetrates the building, it is contained in a restricted area and any resulting damage is limited.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of protecting a building against flooding comprising lining the floor and external walls of the building with a waterproof membrane up to a pre-determined flood level and temporarily attaching a detachable panel over any exit door or window or other opening up to the flood level.

Other features, benefits and advantages of the invention will be understood from the description of exemplary embodiments hereinafter.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein : Figure 1 shows schematically the lay-out of the ground floor of a detached house; Figure 2 shows a section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section through a panel forming a waterproof membrane lining the walls and floor; and Figure 4 is a front view of a door fitted with a removable panel.

Referring first to Figure 1 of the drawings, the ground floor of a detached house is shown comprising a solid floor 1 and external walls 2,3, 4,5. The floor 1 may be a suspended floor or any other suitable construction known to those skilled in the art.

In this embodiment, floor 1 is made of concrete, for example by casting a slab in situ, but it will be understood that the floor 1 may be made from other materials such as timber.

The ground floor is divided by internal walls 6,7, 8,9 to provide a kitchen 10, lounge 11, and dining room 12 with internal doors 13,14, 15 leading from an entrance hall 16 provided with stairs 17 to a first floor (not shown).

In this embodiment, the internal walls 6,7, 8,9 are formed by plasterboard attached to a timber frame but it will be understood that the internal walls 6,7, 8,9 could be formed of other materials such as brick, breeze block or other suitable material.

A front door 18 opening to the hall 16 and a back door 19 from the kitchen 10 provide the main exits/entrances to the house and each room on the ground floor has an external window 20,21, 22.

As shown in Figure 2, the external walls 2,3, 4,5 are formed by an inner wall 23 and an outer wall 24 separated by a cavity 25. The cavity 25 may be fitted with insulation material not shown. The outer wall 24 is typically constructed with bricks and the inner wall 23 may be constructed with bricks or breeze blocks or the like.

In accordance with the present invention, the floor 1 and external walls 2, 3, 4, 5 are lined with a waterproof membrane 26 constructed from panels 27.

As shown in Figure 3, each panel 27 comprises a core 28 of foam material such as polyurethane covered on each side by a skin 29,30 of waterproof plastics material such as polycarbonate.

The panels 27 are of rectangular shape and of a size that can be easily handled and, if required, can be cut to a desired shape to facilitate installation.

The panels 27 are butted and sealed along adjoining edges with sealant and/or sealing tape to provide a waterproof joint and secured to the floor 1 and walls 2,3, 5,6 by adhesive (not shown) and bolts 31. The bolts 31 are made of corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel and are sealed relative to the panels 27.

The construction and fixing of the panels 27 is designed to withstand the high pressures exerted by water in a flood situation so that the panels 27 remain in position and prevent water entering the inside of the building.

The panels 27 are arranged to provide a continuous membrane 26 lining the floor 1 and the inside face of the external walls 2,3, 4,5 around the building.

Where an internal wall 6, 7, 8 meets an outer wall 2,3, 4,5 and the floor 1, the internal wall 6,7, 8 is cut away to allow the panels 27 to be fitted between the internal wall 6,7, 8 and the external wall 2,3, 4,5 and between the internal wall 6,7, 8 and the floor 1.

In this way, the integrity of the membrane 26 is ensured and the internal wall 6, 7, 8 can subsequently be made good. Likewise, the panels 27 can be fitted between the stairs 17 and the external walls 4,5 and the floor 1.

In some older properties, having internal walls of substantial thickness, it may not be possible to cut away the internal wall and, in this case, the membrane 26 is arranged to line the internal walls as well as the external walls.

The panels 27 are fitted on the walls 2,3, 4,5 up to at least the known or anticipated flood level and all electrical fittings such as sockets and switches, and associated electrical wiring are located above the panels 27.

Alternatively, the electrical fittings and associated wiring may be surface mounted on the panels 27. In this way, the electrics are not exposed to risk of water penetrating when flooding occurs.

The panels 27 provide a smooth surface 27a on the inner face of the external walls 2,3, 4,5 which can be painted or papered as desired.

Likewise, the panels 27 covering the floor 1 can be overlaid with flooring material such as carpets, vinyl, tiles etc.

A trim such as a dado rail 32 of timber or plastics may be fitted along the top of the panels 27 where these extend part of the way up the walls 2,3, 4,5. Alternatively, the inner face of the walls above the top of the panels 27 may be made flush with the panels 27 by attaching plasterboard and/or applying a plaster finish to the walls. Skirting board 33 may also be attached by adhesive to the walls 2,3, 4,5.

As will be appreciated, the membrane may be incorporated during construction of new buildings and retro-fitted to an existing building to

provide a permanent waterproof lining for the floor and walls to prevent water penetration in flood conditions. In addition to lining the external walls and floor as described, both exit doors 18,19 and any of the windows 20,21, 22 below the flood level have to be sealed to protect against water penetration in flood conditions.

Figure 4 shows a removable panel 34 for temporarily blocking the exit door 18. The membrane 26 lining the walls 2,3, 4,5 and floor 1 is extended around the doorway and the panel 34 is sealed relative to the membrane 26 with a rubber or neoprene type of seal (not shown) and releasably secured to the external wall on each side of the door by bolts 35.

In this way, a watertight seal is provided across the door and, where the door is openable inwardly, the door can be opened and closed with the panel 34 in place allowing access to and from the house if desired.

A similar panel is provided for temporarily blocking the other exit door 19 and, depending on the position of the windows 20,21, 22, panels may also be fitted across all or part of the windows to provide flood protection to a height above the known or expected flood level.

In addition to sealing the exit doors 18,19 and windows 20,21, 22, any other openings in the external walls 2,3, 4,5 such as air bricks below the flood level may also be temporarily closed and sealed by fitting appropriate panels.

As will now be appreciated, the present invention provides a system for protecting a building from flooding so that damage to the contents is prevented during flood conditions. Moreover, the building is potentially

habitable and it may be possible to remain in the building if safe to do so when flooding occurs. Although the invention has been described with reference to a detached house, it will be understood that the invention has application to all types and constructions of buildings. In the case of semi-detached or terrace houses having party walls common to adjoining properties, the party wall may be considered an external wall for each property and provided with the membrane to prevent water penetration.

It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment above-described and that various modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, the membrane may be constructed from pre-formed panels of plastics as described or any other suitable material such as marine ply. Alternatively, a system for applying the membrane in situ directly to the walls and/or floor may be employed in place of pre-formed panels.

For example the membrane may be formed by spraying the walls and/or floor with a liquid material that sets on drying to form a waterproof membrane lining the walls and/or floor. Suitable materials may include reinforced plastic materials.

The panels for temporarily closing and sealing the doors and/or windows may be of any suitable construction and temporarily secured in position by any suitable means that allows the panels to be fitted when there is a risk of flooding and removed when not required.

For example, the panels may be releasably secured directly to the building with bolts or other suitable fastenings as described.

Alternatively, the panels may be detachably located and retained in a frame permanently attached to the building.

In addition to the above-described arrangement for preventing water entering the building by lining the external walls and floor and closing openings in the external walls, it is envisaged that steps are taken to isolate the connections to the drains and sewer to prevent backflow of water and sewage into the building during flood conditions.

For example, toilet pans may be disconnected and the waste pipe temporarily sealed by any suitable means such as a plug or bung.

Similarly, waste pipes from sinks, showers, baths etc may be disconnected at a suitable location and temporarily sealed with a plug or bung.

Alternatively, the waste pipes may be provided with a valve or similar closure system which can be closed to isolate the building from the drains and sewer without disconnecting the pipework when there is a risk of flooding and opened when not required.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the invention aims to protect buildings from flood damage by preventing water entering the building through the external walls, floor and any openings in the external walls. It may, however, be desirable to provide additional protection by lining internal walls with a waterproof membrane and to provide detachable panels for sealing across internal doors to a height above the known or expected flood level.

In this way, the building can be provided internally with one or more watertight compartments. As a result, if water does penetrate through any of the external walls, floor or openings in the external walls, it is contained within a restricted area or compartment and is not able to spread throughout the building. Consequently, any damage caused to the structure and/or contents of the building by such water penetration can be limited and the cost of repairs to the building and/or replacement of contents reduced.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A flood protection system for a building comprising means for providing a waterproof barrier on at least the external walls and/or floor of a building, the barrier extending to a predetermined flood level, and means for blocking any exit door, window or other opening in the external walls up to the flood level.
2. A flood protection system according to Claim 1, wherein the barrier means is arranged and adapted to remain in place when fitted.
3. A flood protection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the barrier means is applied in situ to the walls and/or floor by spraying with a material which sets to hardening to adhere to the walls and/or floors to provide a waterproof membrane lining the walls and/or floors.
4. A flood protection system according to Claim 3, wherein the material is a plastics material.
5. A flood protection system according to Claim 4, wherein the plastics material is reinforced with glass reinforced plastics.
6. A flood protection system according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the walls and/or the floor are pre-treated with an adhesive material to assist bonding of the membrane.
7. A flood protection system according to any one of Claim 3 to 5, wherein the walls and/or floor are provided with reinforcing means to provide a key for retaining the membrane.
8. A flood protection system according to Claim 7, wherein the reinforcing means are spaced apart inserts of corrosion resistant material fixed to the walls and/or floor which are embedded in the membrane.
9. A flood protection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the barrier means comprises a system of pre-formed waterproof panels secured to the walls and/or floor with sealing means between abutting edges of the panels to produce a waterproof membrane lining the walls and floors.
10. A flood protection system according to Claim 9, wherein the waterproof panels comprise a core covered on each side with a skin of waterproof material.
11. A flood protection system according to Claim 10, wherein the core comprises a foamed plastics material and the skin comprises a plastics material.
12. A flood protection system according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the panels are secured by bolts of corrosion resistant material sealed relative to the panels.
13. A flood protection system according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the panels are secured to the walls and/or floor by adhesive.
14. A flood protection system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the waterproof membrane provides a smooth surface on the walls to simulate the finish provided by a plastered wall.
15. A flood protection system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the membrane is incorporated when constructing a new building to provide protection against flooding.
16. A flood protection system according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the membrane is retro-fitted in existing buildings at risk from flooding to prevent flooding in the future.
17. A flood protection system according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the membrane is applied over a plaster finish.
18. A flood protection system according to Claim 15, wherein the membrane is applied over the brickwork.
19. A flood protection system according to Claim 16, wherein the plaster finish over the brickwork is removed to expose the brickwork prior to applying the membrane.
20. A flood protection system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein all electrical fittings are installed above the level of the membrane and/or surface fitted on the membrane.
21. A flood protection system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the means for blocking exit doors, windows or other openings comprises a panel of waterproof material detachably located and retained over the opening to be sealed.
22. A flood protection system according to Claim 21, wherein the panels are secured and sealed relative to the building by bolts.
23. A flood protection system according to Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the panels are located and retained by a frame permanently attached to the building to allow the panels to be fitted quickly and easily to seal the doors and/or windows when required.
24. A flood protection system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the waterproof barrier further lines the internal walls and the internal doors are temporarily blocked to provide one or more watertight compartments so that, if any water penetrates the building, it is contained in a restricted area.
25. A flood protection system for a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. A building provided with a flood protection system according to any one of the preceding Claims.
27. A method of protecting a building against flooding comprising lining the floor and external walls of the building with a waterproof membrane up to a predetermined flood level and temporarily attaching a detachable panel over any exit door or window or other opening up to the flood level.
28. A method of protecting a building against flooding substantially as hereinbefore described.