Whether you're doing it by choice or simply to comply with new FEMA or local Building Code Regulations, one of the most common retrofitting methods is elevating a house to a required or desired Flood Protection Elevation. During the elevation process, most frame, masonry veneer, and masonry houses are separated from their foundations, raised on hydraulic jacks, and held by temporary supports while a new or extended foundation is constructed below. The living area is raised and only the foundation remains exposed to flooding. This technique works well for houses originally built on basement, crawlspace, and open foundations. When houses are lifted with this technique, the new or extended foundation can consist of either continuous walls or separate piers, posts, columns, or pilings. A variation of this technique is used for frame, masonry veneer, and masonry houses on slab-on-grade foundations. In these houses, the slab forms both the floor of the house and either all or a major part of the foundation. Elevating these houses is easier if the house is left attached to the slab and both are lifted together. After the house and slab are lifted, a new foundation is constructed below the slab. Click here for more information.
HFIAA Update
What is a Flood Vent? Flood Vents protect houses and buildings in floodplains by preventing hydrostatic pressure buildup that can destroy walls and foundations. This mitigation technique is referred to as Wet Floodproofing.
When Flood Vents Are Required? The NFIP Regulations and Building Codes require that any residential building constructed in Flood Zone Type A have the lowest floor, including basements, elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Enclosed areas (enclosures) are permitted under elevated buildings provided that they meet certain use restrictions and construction requirements such as the installation of flood vents to allow for the automatic entry and exit of flood waters. This wet floodproofing technique is required for residential buildings. Commercial buildings have the option to wet floodproof, which can be more cost-effective compared to dry floodproofing.
SMART VENT Advantage SMART VENTS are the most advanced flood protection on the market.
Preserve the aesthetic beauty of a building by using fewer vents. One opening gives five times the protection. SMART VENTS bring buildings into full flood compliance and have the potential to dramatically reduce NFIP Flood Insurance Premiums. Simple to install or retrofit into new or existing foundations. Most applications can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Our ICC-ES Certification helps guarantee approval with Code Officials, Surveyors, Insurance Agents, and everyone else involved.
Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs) provide a better picture of current flood risk than the existing Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which in some cases are more than 25 years old. The new ABFEs are the recommended elevation of the lowest floor of a building. Some communities may require that the lowest floor be built above the ABFE.
The ABFEs are based on FEMA coastal studies that were completed before Hurricane Sandy. The studies include data that has been collected and analyzed over a number of years. Though advisory now, eventually information used to develop the ABFEs will be incorporated into official FIRMs.
FEMA Region II created this website with a tool to help you find the ABFE for your property. It is at:
www.region2coastal.com/sandy/table.
UPDATE: Flood Insurance Reform - Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA)
On March 21, 2014, President Obama signed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 into law.
This law repeals and modifies certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, which was enacted in 2012. FEMA looks forward to working with Congress, the private Write Your Own Insurance Companies and other stakeholders to implement these Congressionally-mandated reforms and to working toward our shared goals of helping families maintain affordable flood insurance, ensuring the financial stability of the NFIP and reducing the risks and consequences of flooding nationwide. FEMA will continue to identify and publish special flood hazards and flood risk zones as authorized and required by Congress.
FEMA Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act Overview
ASFPM Analysis of the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act
More information on the new law and its impacts on the NFIP will be forthcoming. Updates may be found here http://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance-reform
Who We Are
Flood Insurance
Looking for a new Flood Insurance Quote? Looking to get the lowest possible NFIP Premium? Email us at info@liftandvent.com or give us a call at (877) 441-8368 for more information.
Smart Vent Products, Inc. is the worldwide leading manufacturer of foundation flood venting systems which takes pride in having a FEMA-Accepted and ICC-ES Certified flood vent product line and by using the best materials available. SMART VENT Flood Vents are Engineered Openings and are certified to meet all Building Codes, FEMA Regulations and NFIP Flood Insurance Requirements. SMART VENT’s technical support group consists of Certified Floodplain Managers (CFM), Engineers, and a full team of Technical Field Representatives, all who are eager to assist you with your next floodplain project. Visit www.smartvent.com or call (877) 441-8368 for more information.