Guide on Home Modification to Reduce Flood Vulnerability
In the face of increasingly frequent and intense floods and extreme weather events, it's essential to take steps to protect your home. Here are some practical tips to help you make your home more flood-resilient.
Doors and Flooring
Solid core doors are more resistant to water damage compared to hollow core doors. When choosing a flooring material, consider options like polished and sealed concrete or tiles, which perform better in flood conditions.
Flood Risk and Flood Maps
Knowing the flood risk in your area can help guide decisions about what steps to take. Local governments often have flood maps for their region, so it's worth checking with your local authority.
Building and Landscaping
Building a raised platform, bench, cabinet, or wall mountings using flood-resilient materials such as stainless steel can free up more room for storage and could even make appliances easier to use, thanks to the higher position. An expert tradie can advise on landscaping, permeable paving, and other strategies that reduce the impact of flooding and direct water away from your home.
Appliances and Electrical Equipment
Raising appliances in the laundry, such as the washing machine and dryer, can prevent water damage and reduce the risk of electrical problems if there is a flood. Electrical water pumps, pool pumps, and other electrical equipment used outside should be placed on a secure, raised platform to keep them dry in the event of a flood.
Material Choices
Water-resistant materials should perform better in the event of a flood. When replacing walls, consider using fibre cement instead of plasterboard, and replace loose fill insulation with rigid closed-cell foam insulation. For cabinets, opt for materials like marine-grade plywood, sealed composite timber panels, stainless steel, compact laminate, and solid acrylic surfaces.
Windows and Doors
Creating large door and window openings on the ground floor to help water escape more easily is a measure to minimize flood damage. Louvre windows can also help with flushing out water and debris after a flood. Retrofitting garage doors with permeable doors to allow water to flow through is another strategy to consider.
Electrical Work
For electrical work around the home, always use a qualified, licensed electrician. Installing power points high on walls can make a home more flood-resilient by minimizing the potential for power outages and electrical faults.
Renovations and Sustainability
If planning a renovation that includes replacing walls and other significant works, a licensed builder should be able to advise on measures that could minimize flood damage to your home. Opting for sustainable plantation hardwood timber over softwood timber (e.g., pine) when framing new walls and replacing other timber, such as skirting boards, is a measure to minimize flood damage.
Cost Considerations
The average cost to relocate or install a new power point is between $130 to $180 per point. Keep these costs in mind when planning your flood-resilient home improvements.
