Smart home upgrades against floods, heavy rain

In recent months, several areas across the country, particularly low-lying communities, have once again experienced flooding due to persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon, low-pressure areas, tropical depressions and storms.

Amid these recurring weather disturbances, our homes remain our first line of protection. More than just structures, they give our families a safe place to live, shield us from the elements and protect the belongings we have worked hard to earn.

For greater peace of mind, it is important to ensure that our homes are equipped with up-to-date features and technologies that help make them more resilient to flooding and the damaging effects of heavy rain.

Flood protection barriers

One innovation that has been gaining popularity globally, including in the Philippines, is the use of cost-effective flood protection barriers from Limburg, Germany, which are increasingly seen as a worthwhile investment.

For more than three decades, this German technology has been used in various parts of the world to effectively protect homes and properties from flooding.

These temporary “walls” are designed to seal potential entry points where floodwater can enter a home, such as doors, gates, windows, drainage systems and pipes. They can also come in demountable, sliding, drop-down, flip-up and raised configurations, with or without electricity.

In the United States, some homeowners use systems such as AquaDam, which, according to its manufacturer, is a temporary, water-filled flood barrier designed to protect against flood depths of one to 10 feet. It consists of two watertight inner tubes enclosed in a woven outer sleeve.

Another option is the Water-Gate barrier, a temporary flood barrier with a self-deploying design. Once rolled out, it uses the weight of floodwater to hold itself in place. The water lifts the upper portion of the barrier while pressing down on its base, creating a seal that helps prevent floodwater from passing through.

This self-opening mechanism reduces the time, effort and manpower required for installation, making it a practical option for temporary flood protection.

Permeable materials

You can also incorporate flood-prevention features in your outdoor spaces.

Instead of using solid paving throughout, consider using permeable materials for driveways, decks and walkways. These allow rainwater to seep naturally into the ground rather than add to the load on drainage systems, water catchments and riverways.

You can also consider installing your own water-retention system to help manage excess rainwater. This can serve as a small reservoir that collects and stores water for later use, such as cleaning large outdoor areas or irrigating plants.

Heavy duty dehumidifiers

Aside from flooding, high indoor humidity can also affect Filipino homes during the rainy season.

Mold poses another problem and can be difficult to eliminate once it sets in. While natural remedies such as vinegar and baking soda may help, investing in a high quality, heavy duty dehumidifier can be more effective at removing excess moisture from the air and controlling mold growth in your home.

Ideally, indoor humidity levels should remain between 30 and 50 percent. If your dehumidifier constantly registers levels of 70 to 80 percent, it may be a sign that you need a more powerful unit.

By taking steps to make their properties more resilient, homeowners can feel more at ease during extreme weather and more confident that their homes, belongings and the lives they have built within them are better protected.

Sources: Inquirer Archives, healthline.com, floodprotectionsolutions.co.uk,.aquadam.net