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FLOODING

Changes in the environment, caused by global warming and cyclic natural phenomena, have led to widespread flooding in Ireland and Britain in recent years. Television pictures of rivers bursting their banks and distraught families trying to save their valuable possessions are common during winter months. The indications are that global warming will increase and that flooded homes and commercial buildings will continue to be a familiar sight.

Despite the severe damage caused to property by flooding, the vast majority of buildings built using masonry block construction will not suffer structural damage. In many cases people will suffer inconvenience and damage to carpets curtains and furniture, but the concrete structure will dry out when the flooding has receded.

The prospect for people who own lightweight timber framed homes is likely to be far more serious. Timber is known to warp and rot when subjected to damp conditions. The damage caused to structural timbers subjected to dampness or immersion in water for extended periods may well threaten the structural integrity of the entire home, especially since the timber studs act as structural members supporting both the floor and roof. In addition, timber framed homes have plywood facings on the outside of the inner leaf. This plywood may utilise adhesives which will fail when subjected to extremely damp conditions. In the severe flooding conditions regularly experienced in many parts of Ireland, lightweight timber frames can potentially turn what is always a serious problem into a catastrophic event