GB2457647A

GB2457647A - Flood protection for buildings

Info

Publication number: GB2457647A
Application number: GB0723543A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Reginald Cann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-01
Filing date: 2007-12-01
Publication date: 2009-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-01
Also published as: GB2457647B; GB0723543D0

Abstract

The invention relates to flood protection for buildings and comprises a damp proof membrane i.e. damp proof course (DPC) fitted with a water tight connector along its length, so that when built into the wall of a building, another damp proof membrane or object can be joined to the damp proof membrane whilst maintaining the water/damp proof status of the building. Alternative embodiments relate to a damp proof membrane which may be built in to new buildings as they are constructed (Figure A) or may be added to existing buildings (figure B) or added to buildings which have no damp proof course (figure C). In all cases it may be used as a very effective seal to keep flood water out of a building.

Description

Title; Flood Protection of Buildings

Background.

Floods are something which happen from time to time and we are told that they will be more often. When a lot of rain occurs the water table' (the distance you have to dig down to find water) rises. If this turns into a spring the water breaks the surface. Modern houses have a damp proof course to stop the effect of that damp ruining the whole house. Unfortunately because the present system is not perfect if water tables are very high we can get damp walls and floors.

Sometimes when we have a lot of rain we have the situation that the water causes flash' flooding as the water tries to reach the lowest ground. This water can literally run in through the back door and out the front. Drain covers can be raised and turned into giant waterfalls where perhaps the general population didn't even know there was a drain. In a matter of a short time terrific damage can be done.

When the water reaches the valley bottom the river rises and we can often get overtopping' and possibly more sustained long term flooding. This inevitably causes great damage. Because there are so many causes of flooding every building could be at risk in a particular situation.

Statement of invention.

I propose therefore to enhance the effectiveness of the simple wall DAMP PROOF COURSE (DPC) to make it capable of being able to connect with other water proof membranes in a water proof joint. With the new system each building and each vulnerable street would have in place a waterproof joint which could quickly be used to protect the properties in an emergency.

When the new seal channel DPC is used on the inner skin of a cavity wall when built. The damp proof membrane which is supposed to cover the entire floor area would be able to join into the inner skin wall DPC with a waterproof joint. For the first time walls, plaster floors etc. should be prevented from water damage in rising water situations.

A secondary advantage in making the sealed joint between over site and wall DPC's is that in areas where there is the naturally occurring gas Radon, penetration into the property should be reduced.

When used on the outer skin of a cavity wall of a new build or as a seal channel fitted at a later date, the DPC becomes an important part of a properties flood prevention capability, because the seal channel will allow various pieces of equipment to be plugged into the seal channel and immediately form a waterproof joint. We have chosen to use a flexible skirt which when held in the seal channel with a male' plug forms a barrier between the water and the property and will not allow moisture to rise beyond the height of the DPC. One advantage of this flood prevention system is that the actual property provides the rigid part of the structure to hold back the water.

A secondary use of the seal channel is when a building is going to be extended, the new damp proof membrane will simply plug into the channel and across the floor area of the new extension before being sealed into the new external walls. The complete integrity of the buildings DPC is maintained.

Illustrations and Explanations Fig A This shows how the new seal channel DPC could be used to effectively seal the inside of a new building. Fig B

Here we see a drawing of how the seal channel which is built into the outer skin of a cavity wall would accept a waterproof skirt and maintain dry walls above the DPC level. This seal channel would be put in place at the time of the construction of the building. Note that shaped bricks would be required to give a flush front profile as illustrated. Fig C

Shows how a seal channel is fitted to an existing building with a conventional DPC.

The mortar bed is raked out to expose one side of the conventional DPC for about 25mm depth all around the building. The space is then filled with a waterproof building adhesive and the foot of the seal channel is pushed in. the channel can then be screwed to the wall for additional strength. Fig D

Older properties that do not have a normal DPC need protecting and the seal channel can benefit these properties also as illustrated. Fig F

Shows a sketch of how the seal channel might look. The main body of the channel would be constructed of a hard plastic. Inside there would be a tough flexible insert which would form the waterproof trap. If this should get damaged it would be able to be replaced without affecting the main body. The male' strip which would push the membrane into the channel and hold it there would be shaped so as not to be able to be easily pulled out from above or below. When the channel is not being used in an emergency the front of it would be protected by the strip which could be secured to minimise interference. Fig G

Looking down on the new channel DPC you will notice that it is mitred to fit corners and welded to form a complete barrier around the building. Below is a sketch showing how the flexible waterproof skirt might look when used around a shape with right angles. Note, that in set back doorways etc. it would be necessary to support the skirt with a board if the water was sufficiently high. Fig H

Storage is always a problem with things that are only used on a few occasions. This is one way which I can see the flexible waterproof skirt being stored. The plastic back plate is fixed to the wall and also sealed into the DPC seal channel. The container which looks like a water butt then latches onto it and when opened inside is the rolled up skirt (Hi). The skirt would probably be around 90-i 20 cm high (in theory it could be as tall as the house) and would be as long as required. Each side of the container back plate would be a vertical seal into which the skirt would be fixed (H2).

If length required additional vertical sealing strips could be provided. The skirt would have to be robust and waterproof. We have chosen to demonstrate the seal channel with one which is suspended from hooks which would be screwed into pre-tapped holes on the wall.

The skirt would have to be reinforced with rope and eyelets as illustrated in H3.

There would be nothing to stop a user fitting an air filled skirt which would rise up with the water if they so wished as long as it could be attached to the seal channel. It would also be possible to use rigid plastic boxes to fit over doorways provided they were fitted with the correct bung' connector to fit the channel. In cases of emergency a polythene sheet or pool liner could be used providing you could cover the area.

Fig H4 shows how the waterproof skirt would appear when fitted into a ground mounted seal channel on houses that do not have a conventional DPC. I have depicted a terrace, in this case the seal channel would be fitted and protected from wear tear and possibly the council or emergency services would hold the skirt material and fit it as and when required -d

Claims

Claims.1. A damp proof membrane fitted with a water tight connector along its length so that when built into a wall another membrane or object can be joined to it on a per-manent or temporary basis maintaining the water proof status of the whole.
2. A water tight connector which can be added to a conventional Damp proof course along the length of a wall which will allow another membrane or object to be joined to it on a permanent or temporary basis maintain-ing the waterproof status of the whole.
3. A water tight connector which will allow houses without any damp proof course to have some temporary or permanent protection from water penetration.