LIfting and Moving Homes in Flood and Hurricane Prone Areas
It’s been hard to ignore the recent news about the damaging hurricanes that have damaged areas in Florida and North Carolina. It’s easy to forget that New England is also an area that can be affected by hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding. Homes and businesses that are near the water (such as the area and homes in nearby Narragansett, South Kingstown, Little Compton, Westport, Dartmouth, Stonington, New Haven, and Mystic) can be damaged by the high tides that accompany these storms and are also prone to damage from erosion. While we don’t fix houses that have been damaged, here at Eastman Building Movers we CAN help before the storm and move your home to a different location or give your home a lift to fix a failing foundation..
RAISING HOMES NEAR THE WATER
In areas of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island we have miles and miles of coastline so there is a good chance that your home is near the water. If you are like other homeowners who live in a flood plain area, raising your home can provide added flood protection for those living by the water. Lifting your home or updating your drainage system can help protect against potential flood damage and meet FEMA standards. Flood elevation requirements often change due to storms and these guidelines can provide an understanding of the benefits of elevating the building.
Of course, you always have the option of moving your building to an entirely new location.
Naturally, proper planning is important when raising your home to meet flood elevation requirements.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE LIFTING A HOME TO FIX FOUNDATIONS
When addressing the challenge of fixing house foundations in hurricane zones, it's crucial to consider both the structural integrity and the resilience of the materials used. Here are some key strategies to enhance foundation stability in these areas:
Elevated Foundations: One of the most effective ways to protect homes in hurricane zones is by elevating the foundation above the anticipated flood level. This can involve using piers, stilts, or pilings, which helps safeguard against storm surges and flooding.
Reinforced Materials: Using reinforced concrete or steel-reinforced concrete can significantly increase the durability of the foundation. These materials are designed to withstand high winds and prevent cracking or shifting during a storm.
Deep Foundation Systems: Implementing deep foundation systems, such as drilled shafts or helical piers, can provide additional support by anchoring the home into more stable soil layers below the surface. This is particularly beneficial in areas with loose or sandy soil.
Proper Drainage Systems: Effective drainage is critical to prevent water from pooling around the foundation, which can lead to erosion or water damage. Incorporating French drains, grading the landscape away from the home, and ensuring gutters and downspouts are functioning correctly can help manage water flow.
Wind-Resistant Design: Incorporating wind-resistant designs and materials into the foundation can help reduce the impact of high winds. This might include using hurricane straps or clips to secure the structure to the foundation.
Soil Stabilization: In some cases, stabilizing the soil around the foundation can prevent erosion and shifting. Techniques such as compaction grouting or the use of geotextile fabrics can enhance soil stability.
HELP WITH PAYMENT
If your community has adopted floodplain regulations and ordinances, FEMA makes flood insurance available to the communities. Insurers can check to see if their insurance company will cover the full cost or the partial cost for your house to be lifted. Calling to see if you qualify for assistance is also a good idea.
If you are ready to tackle house moving, building moving, shed moving, or lifting this Spring, contact Eastman Building Movers for a quote!
The key to all building moves is to preserve sound buildings and save them from demolition. Call Eastman Building Movers 401-885-4216 or email info@eastmanbuildingmovers.com to have your questions answered or to start the process of moving your building.