Do Your Foundation Openings Meet FEMA Requirements?

The National Flood Insurance Program has established regulations, for buildings that are constructed in flood hazard areas, to protect them from damage caused by flood forces.

The regulations require that residential buildings constructed in A zones have the lowest floor (including the basement) elevated to or above the base flood elevation. Enclosed areas (such as crawl spaces) are permitted under the elevated buildings, provided the enclosed areas meet restrictions related to flood resistance, including use of flood damage-resistant materials and installation of openings to allow for automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures

If you are concerned about moisture and humidity in your crawl space and are considering an encapsulation system for your home that is located in a flood area, then insulated flood vents are your best option. Insulated flood vents seal off the outside air, allowing you to control the humidity in your crawl space and keep out unwanted pests and critter. They also automatically equalize hydrostatic flood loads on the exterior walls by allowing the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.

Insurance agents will also request that property owners provide documentaion as part of applications for NFIP flood insurance. This will be provided to the homeowner after the installation of the flood vents.

Contact Lowcountry Basement Systems for a FREE evaluation and estimate on protecting your home in flood hazard areas in Georgia and South Carolina.