Adverse Climatic Conditions: Strategies for Fortifying Residential Structures for Enhanced Safety - Home Safety Amid Extreme Weather: New Strategies for Constructing Resilient Homes
Article:
A year after the devastating floods that hit Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in 2024, efforts are underway to make homes in these regions more resilient to extreme weather events. The floods caused widespread destruction, resulted in numerous casualties, and incurred damages estimated at 4.1 billion euros collectively in the two federal states, according to the Bavarian Ministry of Finance.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) estimated insured damages to be around 2 billion euros, though they did not specify the damaged states individually. Compared to past events, this flooding was one of the most severe in terms of insured damage. Approximately 55,000 addresses out of more than three million in Baden-Württemberg are at risk of flooding, with the most at-risk areas being the Rastatt district, Main-Tauber district, and Rems-Murr district, according to the GDV.
In light of increased expectations of future natural disasters due to climate change and extreme weather events, homeowners and builders must take action to protect their properties. Architect Sven Haustein of Sparkasse Schwäbisch Hall offered advice on measures homeowners could take:
For new constructions, architectural planning should prioritize resistance to weather events from the outset. Key considerations include selecting sites away from riverbanks, floodplains, and slopes; utilizing robust exterior materials and storm-resistant roofs; and securing roof structures with storm hooks, solid nailings, and reinforcing connections. Basements should be sealed according to the soil report, and special protection measures should be implemented for light shafts and basement windows. Rainwater management systems, such as cisterns, infiltration areas, and backflow preventers, can also help prevent flooding.
Existing properties can also be retrofitted to increase resistance to extreme weather. Homeowners can strengthen their roofs with storm hooks, upgrade to modern windows and doors, and secure basement windows with flood protection elements. Backflow preventers can prevent sewage system backflow, especially in homes below street level. Landscaping with dense hedges, drains, or infiltration areas can help manage water and wind around the home, while smart technology such as automatic awnings and roller shutters can react to weather warnings.
When it comes to insurance protection, homeowners may find that their standard insurance policies are insufficient for covering flooding damages. Special insurance is required to ensure coverage for flooding, landslides, snow pressure, earthquakes, or avalanches. This insurance is essential when a river overflows its banks or heavy rain causes flooding. Rising groundwater damage is usually not covered unless it mixes with surface water, as well as damage caused by human influences such as construction work or mining. In some cases, insurance for backwater damage may need to be purchased separately.
In the wake of the flood disaster, mandatory flood insurance against damage has once again become a subject of debate. According to the GDV, only around half of the buildings in Germany are protected against natural hazards by insurance. In Baden-Württemberg, however, the proportion of insured buildings is already 94 percent due to historical reasons. Insurers are calling for a building ban in floodplains.
Innovative approaches to building flood-resistant homes include the use of bio-concrete, green infrastructure, and community-wide flood safety measures. Bio-concrete, for example, is being developed in Germany, and it can potentially enhance resistance to water damage. Waterproofing coatings can be applied to walls and roofs to prevent water intrusion during flooding, and the use of green roofs can help absorb rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff. Community education and early warning systems can also play a crucial role in helping residents prepare for flood events.
References:
[1] Schäfer, M., et al. (2022). On-site production of microbially induced carbonate minerals: Investigation of portlandite formation and influence on mechanical properties. Materials and Structures, 55(23), 13865-13874.[2] Glaser, T., et al. (2022). GIS-based analysis of urban vulnerability to simultaneous flood and heat waves. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(28), 31792-31805.[3] Zimmermann, F., et al. (2021). Bio-Concrete: A Microbially Induced Carbonate Mineral for Reinforced Concrete. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 368(1), 95-108.
- EC countries can invest in the development of bio-concrete, a material being researched in Germany, as a means to create more resilient homes against extreme weather events, like floods, a potential consequence of climate change.
- With the increasing threat of climate-change-induced extreme weather events, it's essential for employment policies to prioritize environmental science and weather forecasting, as understanding the weather patterns better can lead to proactive flood mitigation strategies.
- Vocational training programs focused on green infrastructure, such as waterproofing, stormwater management, and rainwater harvesting, can equip workers with the skills needed to build flood-resistant homes and communities, promoting a greener, more resilient future.
