In the enclosure below the new addition, she watched the flood vents open and the water pour in. “It was shocking to see floodwater enter through the flood vents. But that’s what they’re designed to do, reduce the pressure on the outside walls,” she said, “and that’s what they did.” The water just kept coming in, peaking just below the level of the wainscoting. As the hurricane passed, water started to recede. The flood vents automatically turned outward and allowed the water to drain without restriction.
With obvious relief, the owner commented “I can’t imagine what the situation could have been if we didn’t spend the extra money to floodproof our home.”An estimate of the extra investment breaks down as follows:(Usually not enforced or required)Four large roll-down hurricane shutters: $6,500 Code-compliant foundation flood vents: $1,056Flood resistant materials: $2,200 Owner’s labor for easy installation: 40 hours (in lieu of contractor cost)Total Estimated Additional Cost (above what the local jurisdiction required): $9,639Results? Virtually all damage avoided!
Pages: 1 2
Responses to 'Isabel hits Bowleys Quarter MD hard. Does Flood Proofing work? How much extra did it really cost to do it right, and was it worth it?'