Severe flooding along the East Coast this week has once again highlighted the urgent need for the adoption of resilient building practices in the face of increasing severity of extreme weather.
Figures released by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and reported by The Washington Post, find that the number of homes being flooded is outpacing current risk mitigation strategies. Experts are now urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to leverage its existing legal authority to implement changes in home building codes. These changes aim to enhance the resilience of structures in areas of the country that are, and that may be, prone to flooding.
In the realm of flood preparedness, closed-cell spray foam insulation emerges as an exceptionally effective preventative measure. FEMA has designated closed-cell spray foam insulation as the only acceptable insulation material resistant to floodwater damage. Other types of insulation may have to be thrown out after coming into contact with floodwaters and excessive moisture. However, closed-cell spray foam insulation does not retain water, reducing the risk of mold and mildew development. Data from a case study showed it can simply be washed off before allowing the rest of the home to dry out. Using closed-cell spray foam can minimize repair time and get you back into your home faster.
In the face of unpredictable weather, the impetus to build stronger, more resilient homes becomes paramount. As FEMA takes steps to reassess and enhance existing building code standards, embracing innovative building materials, such as spray foam insulation, will go a long way in helping countless homeowners and communities across the country.