Flooding in buildings: assessment, limitation and rehabilitation

Abstract

There is an increasing body of knowledge and experience of dealing with flooded buildings, which is incrementally becoming more readily available to both building owners and property professionals. However, some building insurers are still hesitant to insure flood risk in previously‐flooded or high risk buildings. This leads to uncertainty in valuing or managing properties at risk from flooding. A survey of surveyors, and a case study of a flooding incident in Rossett, North Wales were undertaken in 2001. The case study indicates that responses to flood events were often varied and uncoordinated, though with some areas of effective action and good practice, and demonstrates the particular components of buildings most prone to damage during a flood. It also shows the most common difficulties experienced in managing a flood event and its aftermath, and highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to the problem. The paper concludes by reviewing some of the more accessible information available to property owners, managers and professionals on flood protection and flood reinstatement.

Citation

Wordsworth, P. and Bithell, D. (2004), "Flooding in buildings: assessment, limitation and rehabilitation", Structural Survey, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 105-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630800410538631