Flood-Resilient Construction in High River
The 2013 flood fundamentally changed how High River builds and renovates. Today, smart construction in flood-prone areas incorporates lessons learned from that devastating event. Here's what homeowners need to know about building resilient.
Understanding High River's Flood Risk
The 2013 Context
Over 13,000 residents evacuated
Hundreds of homes destroyed or severely damaged
$6 billion in total damages (Southern Alberta)
Lessons that shaped new building practices
Current Risk Profile
Significant flood mitigation infrastructure built
Improved dike systems
Better early warning systems
Still important to build smart
Flood-Resilient Basement Strategies
Option 1: Waterproof Basement
For finished basements, comprehensive waterproofing:
Exterior Measures:
Waterproof membrane (Blueskin or similar)
Proper drainage tile at footings
Window well covers and drainage
Grade sloping away from foundation
Interior Measures:
Sump pump with battery backup
Sump pump alarm systems
Interior drainage systems
Vapor barriers on walls
Materials:
Moisture-resistant drywall
Vinyl plank or tile flooring
Raised electrical outlets
Non-organic insulation
Cost: Add $10,000-25,000 to standard development
Option 2: Water-Resistant Basement
Design for quick recovery if flooding occurs:
Design Principles:
All utilities elevated
Removable bottom sections of drywall
No finished storage below flood line
Appliances on platforms
Materials:
Concrete or sealed floors
Waterproof wall finishes
Plastic or metal shelving
Rubber baseboards
Cost: Moderate premium over standard
Option 3: Sacrificial Basement
Some areas may warrant unfinished basements:
Approach:
Leave basement unfinished
Use only for mechanical and storage
Nothing valuable below grade
Quick clean-out after any flooding
When Appropriate:
High-risk zones
Limited budget for mitigation
Investment properties
Older homes in flood plain
Main Floor and Structure Strategies
Raised Construction
Elevate main floor above historical flood levels
Common in new construction
Retrofit possible but expensive
Water Entry Points
Seal all foundation penetrations
Backflow valves on sewer connections
Sealed window wells
Waterproof door sweeps
Mechanical Placement
Locate HVAC equipment above grade when possible
Elevate electrical panels
Raise hot water tanks
Consider tankless units mounted high
Sump Pump Systems for High River
Primary Pump Selection
Minimum 1/3 HP (1/2 HP recommended)
Cast iron or stainless housing
Vertical float switch
Quality check valve
Backup Systems
Battery backup: Essential for power outages
Water-powered backup: Uses municipal pressure
Generator ready: For extended outages
Dual Pump Systems
Primary plus secondary pump
Alternating operation
Alarm systems for failure
Regular testing schedule
Quality sump system cost: $1,500-4,000
Foundation and Drainage
Exterior Drainage
French drains around perimeter
Properly sloped grade (6" drop in 10')
Extended downspouts (10'+ from foundation)
Swales to direct water away
Weeping Tile
Ensure clear and functional
Connect to sump or storm system
Annual maintenance/inspection
Consider camera inspection
Window Wells
Proper drainage to weeping tile
Covers to prevent rain entry
Elevated edges
Emergency egress maintained
Building Materials for Flood Zones
Flooring Options
| Material | Flood Performance | Cost | Notes |
| Concrete (sealed) | Excellent | Low | Cold, hard |
| Vinyl plank | Good | Medium | Easy replacement |
| Porcelain tile | Excellent | Higher | Most durable |
| Carpet | Poor | Low | Avoid in flood zones |
| Hardwood | Poor | High | Avoid in flood zones |
Wall Materials
Standard drywall: Replacement needed if flooded
Moisture-resistant drywall: Better, not waterproof
Cement board: Excellent water resistance
Painted concrete: Best performance
Insulation
Fiberglass batts: Must be replaced if wet
Rigid foam: Water resistant, reusable
Spray foam (closed cell): Best water resistance
Mineral wool: Dries out, can be reused
Insurance Considerations
Overland Flood Insurance
Now available from most insurers
Coverage limits vary
Premiums depend on risk level
Review policy carefully
Sewer Backup Coverage
Separate from flood coverage
Important for basement flooding
Usually optional add-on
Consider coverage limits
Documentation for Claims
Keep renovation records
Photograph finishes
Maintain receipts
Video inventory recommended
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Investment vs. Protection
Lower-Cost Measures ($1,000-5,000):
Sump pump upgrade with backup
Backflow valve installation
Window well improvements
Grading improvements
Medium-Cost Measures ($5,000-15,000):
Exterior waterproofing (partial)
Drainage improvements
Resilient basement finishing
Elevated utilities
Higher-Cost Measures ($15,000+):
Full exterior waterproofing
Foundation modifications
Complete resilient renovation
Structural elevation
Working in High River
Permit Considerations
Development permits for flood plain work
Building permits for renovations
Specific requirements for flood zones
Municipal inspections required
Local Knowledge Matters
Understanding of local water table
Experience with High River soils
Familiarity with municipal requirements
Proven flood mitigation experience
Get Started
If you're building or renovating in High River, flood resilience should be part of your planning. We've helped many High River homeowners protect their investments.
Contact us for a consultation focused on flood-resilient construction and renovation.
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The Renovators Inc. serves High River and Foothills County with quality construction and renovation services. We understand the unique challenges of building in flood-prone areas.