The sand foundation, also known as the backfill zone, which surrounds the walls of the basement is usually 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.5 M) wide. The backfill zone easily allows water to penetrate through and this water in too great a quantity will seep through cracks of the home’s foundation and will flood the basement. It is thus crucial that the flood protection system is installed furthest away from the backfill perimeter. It is necessary to install a water pump at the lowest area of the basement, close to the drain. This pump will be used to channel and remove the water that got through, outside.

All the existing methods to  be protected from floods, either it be sandbags, a dam, or a demountable barrier such as the Water-Gate by MegaSecure International, are likely to have water leaks. This water accumulates behind the flood system and gradually infiltrates the backfill zone. It is important that this water is withdrawn as soon as possible in order to limit infiltrations through holes and cracks. Use a water pump that you will place in the deepest area where the water accumulates. If possible, slightly bury the pump in the ground and pump the water outside your dam.

If you are likely to be flooded, MegaSecure International strongly recommends the acquisition of a generator. This generator will be useful when you do not have electricity to supply the water pumps. In North America, we generally find the electrical panel in the basement of properties and buildings, which isn’t very convenient during a flood. This panel is connected to a transformer which distributes electricity in a given sector. If you or your neighbors are flooded and the water reaches the electrical panel, the transformer from this sector will be automatically desactivated and your electricity will be shut down. Your pumps will consequently become useless and you will not be able to control the water infiltrations which flood your basement.

It is absolutely uneffective to pile up the sandbags directly against the wall intended to be protected.  Water will seep through the sandbags and will accumulate between the wall and the dam, causing water infiltrations inside the property. It would be more effective, fast and cheaper to clog the cracks with an impermeable compound and to extend a fabric over the length of the wall.

Contrary to popular beliefs, the majority of wall structures are not all waterproof. It depends on the type of exterior siding used. Normally, if your wall is used to insulate, it is not impermeable.
For exterior sidings made of brick, stone or marble, you can notice small air holes every 2 feet (0.6 M) at the bottom of the structure. These cavities are intentional in order to aerate the frame of the building but also allow water to infiltrate during a flood. If you decide not to use a temporary flood system to protect your building, it is essential to clog these cavities and all other cracks with an impermeable compound in order to limit the water seeping. This method is inexpensive and in certain cases, can work quite well. On the other hand, do not forget to immediately remove the clogging from the air holes after the flood. The frame will certainly need a good ventilation.

For sidings other than those already mentioned such as wood or vinyl panelling, it is much more difficult to make them watertight. You can surround the building with a plastic fabric to slow the water infiltrations but the result is seldom successful.

We omitted to include important information? You have suggestions or comments to share with us? We are pleased to receive them!

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