Flood resistance
The weather caprices are becoming more frequent and storms are on the increase, causing rivers and lakes to burst their banks, sometimes causing considerable damage. However, prolonged rainfall can also put buildings on slopes or in areas with high groundwater or seepage at risk. It is therefore recommended that flood-resistant windows and doors be provided by the planner for buildings in endangered zones up to the maximum flood level to be assumed – usually the basement and, if necessary, the ground floor.
Test
In addition to flood-resistant new windows and external doors, which differ from normal windows and exterior doors in the areas of locking, sealing, frame strength and installation, there is also the possibility of using flood-resistant elements in front of them, optionally also with a self-closing function, as part of renovation measures.
The proof of “flood-retardant properties” of building elements is not regulated by standards, neither on a European nor on a German level. The test for flood protection is therefore carried out on the basis of PfB’s own guideline, HW200801, which is generally recognised. The guideline takes into account both the water level caused by standing water and the fact that in the case of flowing water, stronger objects such as tree trunks are driven against the building element with the water.
During the test, in addition to 100 mm and 500 mm water column, depending on the agreement, different pressure levels are approached at the height of the water column and held for 24 hours. The amount of water penetrating to the inside is determined.
In the case of flowing water, an additional dynamic load is applied in advance by means of pendulum impact.
Special requirements
If required, the water can be exchanged for another liquid medium, such as: Diesel, paraffin,…
Classification
Basically, a distinction is made between four types of “waterproofness”.
| Type of tightness | Type of water entry |
| – Waterproof
against pressing or standing water |
drop-shaped,
up to a maximum of 20 ml/h over 24 h
Water in the construction joint not taken into account |
| – Flood resistant
against pressing or standing water |
up to 10 l/h over 24 h
Fractures Cracks without influence on safety |
| –- Waterproof
against running water |
after soft and hard impact, drop-shaped,
up to a maximum of 20 ml/h over 24 h Water in the construction joint not taken into account |
| – Flood resistant
against running water |
after soft and hard impact, drop-shaped,
up to 10 l/h over 24 h Fractures Cracks without influence on safety |
Possible construction elements
Among others, the following construction elements can be tested and classified.
Examples:
– Front element D water – S 2.5 watertight for standing/ pressing water up to 2.5 m
– Window HB Wasser – S 1.5 flood resistant for standing/ pressing water up to 1.5 m
– Door D Water – S F 3.5 watertight for running water up to 3.5 m
– Door D paraffin – S 6.0 watertight against standing paraffin up to 6.0 m
– Shutter D Water – S F 3,0 waterproof for running water up to 3,0 m
A double classification for watertight and flood resistant is possible, even if different water columns are reached.
The test can also be carried out on site, at the manufacturer’s premises, if desired and with a certain amount of effort.
Minimum requirements in Germany:
| requirements according to: | class/limit values |
| no requirements |
