Climate change spares no one. Everywhere on the planet, increasingly extreme weather events threaten to destroy homes. Adaptability is essential to mitigating the impacts.
Previous articles in this series (see note at the end of this article) have shown that resilience requires collective action. Legislators, insurers and homeowners all have a role to play.
Preventive measures are needed to strengthen resilience and limit risk. Here is a non-exhaustive list of innovations specifically designed to make buildings more resilient.
Flooding
AquaDam - An inflatable, water-filled temporary barrier that creates an artificial dike around the home to protect it from flash or seasonal flooding. Designed in the USA, AquaDam is available in North America and Europe.
FloodFrame - A Danish innovation, FloodFrame is a permanent under-ground device that automatically deploys a pneumatic Tyvek barrier to protect the home against flooding, without the need for electricity.
Floodshield - Invented in the UK, Floodshield is a removable barrier that can be attached to doors to prevent water from entering. The product is available in six models to fit most doors, including garage doors.
FlowStop - A French design available in Canada, FlowStop is an inflatable barrier that can be installed on doors and windows to keep water out in the event of flooding. The product is available in seven sizes to cover most entrances and even warehouse doors.
HydroSack - A modern alternative to sandbags, these lightweight bags made from polymer and paper pulp swell when in contact with water, and have an absorption capacity of 20 liters. A British creation, HydroSack stops water at doorsteps or windows, but is not a solution for high-flow flooding. Once used, the contents of the bags can be disposed of or incinerated.
Water-Gate - Designed in Victoriaville, Quebec, this deployable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) barrier uses the pressure of floodwater to deploy and slow the advance of the flood.
Weather
Hurricane Fabric - Designed in Florida, this ultra-lightweight resin-coated hybrid fabric is installed in front of windows and doors to protect them from the force of hurricane-force winds, flying debris and precipitation.
Sentinel Entry Door System - Made in Ontario, Sentinel doors are designed to withstand water pressure and high winds. Made from a durable, weather-resistant composite frame, and featuring a self-draining sill that repels water from the entrance, these doors are said to effectively prevent water infiltration and mould growth.
Sewer backups
Mainline Backwater Valve - Canadian-made, this anti-backflow system installs directly on the house's plumbing and prevents sewage from flowing back into the pipes.
Val-Matic’s FloodSafe valve - Operating with air valves, this check valve prevents water from seeping in and protects residential basements from sewer backups. Manufactured in Illinois, it is currently only available in the USA.
