Professional installation and proper deployment are key to effective flood mitigation

Flood mitigation has come a long way from the days of piling up sandbags. Today’s products and solutions are professionally engineered, rigorously tested and designed to meet stringent industry standards. But even the most advanced flood mitigation solutions are only effective if they are professionally installed and properly deployed.

We recently sat down with Russ Ellington, Senior Vice President of Program Management and head of the Installation Division for Floodproofing.com, to discuss why professional installation of floodproofing solutions is important and the role proper deployment plays in effective flood mitigation.

Q.) Flood mitigation solutions are much more sophisticated than they used to be. With advances in research and development of these products and more demanding testing requirements, why are there instances of these systems failing in a flood?

A.) Today’s flood mitigation solutions are incredibly effective at reducing the damage caused by flooding. Most cases of flood mitigation systems failing can be attributed to three main factors: improper installation, improper deployment and not having the right product or solution for your situation. The good news is that all these failures can be mitigated with advanced planning and consultation with an expert.

Q.) What installation mistakes do people make that would cause these systems to fail?

A.) We often see these advanced flood mitigation systems installed by teams who may not specialize in this type of solution.  Though this is typically done to reduce costs, improper installation can end up costing more money down the road should those systems not function properly.

Q.) How is professional installation different than having a general contractor provide that service?

A.) Floodproofing.com has an entire division dedicated to installation. Our installation technicians go through extensive training on how to install and deploy the full line of Floodproofing.com products and solutions. In addition, they have in-depth knowledge of local and state building codes. Installing these products and solutions is our focus year-round, and we have performed hundreds of installations throughout the country. There is no substitute for knowledge and experience.

Q.) How does improper deployment lead to system failure and what role does the Floodproofing.com Installation Division play in deployment?

A.) There are active and passive floodproofing solutions. Active solutions, such as flood logs and flood barrier panels, require human intervention. Someone must physically deploy those solutions before a storm. When those systems aren’t properly deployed, floodwaters will penetrate the system. As part of our installation services, we provide training to on-site personnel who will be responsible for deploying those systems. This includes step-by-step instructions, proper system storage procedures, practice deployments and additional materials, such as videos, that deployment teams can access at any time.

Q.) The new ASCE 24-24 standards require annual inspection, maintenance and deployment drills for dry floodproofing systems. How will this help address some of those issues you talked about?

A.) The new ASCE 24-24 standards are the result of hard-learned lessons from previous flooding events. Too often, floodproofing solutions are not properly deployed or not deployed at all prior to a storm. Annual inspection, maintenance, and deployment drills help ensure that flood mitigation systems are in working order and that personnel have the training and confidence to deploy systems efficiently and effectively. The Floodproofing.com Installation Division provides inspection and maintenance services to a handful of clients, and we expect that demand for those services will grow because of the new standards.

Q.) What advice would you offer clients who are investing in modern flood mitigation solutions?

A.) I would tell them to do it right the first time and have their systems professionally installed. It will save them time, money and heartache down the road. Also, I would advise them to take full advantage of the deployment training, annual inspections and maintenance options that we offer. It’s the difference between buying a product and making an investment that provides peace of mind.