Buildings are Affected by The Flooding in Missouri
The historic flooding in Missouri at the end of 2015 impacted over 7100 buildings, according to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. Seven to ten inches of rain fell in a three-day period, adding to the fifteen inches that had fallen in the previous month. The corresponding flood and destruction caused President Barack Obama to designate Missouri a Federal Disaster Area.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over the last ten years, flood claims average around $46,000. In addition to damage to building contents and equipment, flood waters can cause structural damage to occur. An expert, like the ones at Pro Foundation Tech, can inspect your property and ascertain the extent of damage to your property.
Flood waters that don't cause structural damage can still be a health hazard. The water can be contaminated by raw sewage, fuel, dead animals, and chemicals. The receding flood can leave harmful bacteria in walls and under flooring. E Coli, salmonella, and other bacteria are just some of the dangerous remnants left behind. An air specialist should inspect your building to make sure the air is safe for you and your employees.
How Flood Waters Can Damage Your Structure
Flooding waters can affect your structure in other ways, also:
Hydrostatic
This is pressure on your walls from water being at uneven heights on both your interior and exterior. Flood water that is high on the outside can push your walls or foundation into your building. Likewise, once the waters recede, if there is water inside your building it can push the walls outward. The soil surrounding the structure is most likely weak from the high water levels, giving little to no support to your foundation. In some cases, if your building's construction is tight, the building may actually float off of its supports. In 1993, during extreme flooding on the Mississippi River, an entire barn was seen rushing down the swollen river.
Hydrodynamic
This is the actual water flow acting on your building. The water can push against your structure on the leading side of the water, drag along the sides and then create suction on the rear side. Depending on the velocity of the waters, it can wash away the soil around your foundation, causing more problems.
Impact
Depending on where your building is located, you may have waves crashing against your structure or debris, such as logs, vehicles or other structures hitting your building, causing damage.
The experts at Pro Foundation Tech can inspect your property and work with you to repair any damage that has occurred. Our professionals will come up with a solution that will return your property's structural integrity in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact us today.
Filed under Basement waterproofing, Common Structural Problems, Common Water Problems, Water Management
Tags: Missouri, water management Kansas City, Wet basements