Minimize Water Damage with Resilient Building Materials from Top to Bottom

Water damage presents a sneaky, often overlooked threat to your ministry. From plumbing leaks to wind-driven rain, there are hundreds of ways water could infiltrate your building and turn your space into a scene reminiscent of Noah’s Ark. But modern construction practices can help you avoid these costly consequences, whether it’s sealing your windows against severe rainfall or using resilient materials that can resist flood damage.

If water finds its way inside your walls, the effects can range from mold growth to structural damage. Taking proactive steps during the construction process by using resilient, water-resistant materials can reduce your risk of damage in the long-term and help your building withstand repeated downpours.

There are five classes of flood-resistant construction materials, with classes four and five being the most highly resistant to flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines “flood [damage]-resistant material” as “any building product [material, component or system] capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage,” with prolonged contact meaning at least 72 hours.1

According to a report from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), every dollar spent on mitigation techniques can save six dollars on future disaster losses.2 If you’re planning a construction project for your ministry, consider some of the following resilient materials to protect your building, from the roof down to the floor.

Starting from the Top: The Roof

Especially during a severe storm, wind-driven rain can hit your roof from almost every angle. One of the best ways to prevent water entry is to use an adhesive membrane to seal your roof deck and close gaps that are susceptible to leaks.

“A sealed roof deck protects against water when rain seeps beneath the shingles or when shingles get blown off during a storm,” said Robert Silber, a senior risk control specialist at Brotherhood Mutual. “It’s not just the roof covering that keeps water out; it’s the underlayment that adds crucial protection.”

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a properly installed sealed roof deck can reduce water entry in your ministry by up to 95%.3 IBHS offers four options for sealing a roof deck:

  1. Tape and Underlayment
    Self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen flashing tape, applied directly to the roof deck to all horizontal and vertical joints in the roof deck; then underlayment or a reinforced synthetic underlayment over the entire roof deck.
     
  2. Fully Adhered Layer
    A full layer of self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen membrane (peel-and-stick) installed over the entire roof deck.
     
  3. Two Layers of Felt
    Install two layers of qualifying underlayment, overlapped on each other.
     
  4. Spray Foam
    A closed-cell polyurethane spray foam applied to the underside of the roof sheathing at the joints between the sheathing panels and along all intersections between roof sheathing and all roof framing members.

Wall to Wall Protection

Choosing a strong and durable exterior wall finish can reduce the chances of water intrusion and limit the risk of rot or mold growth. Resilient siding materials include:

  • Metal
  • Fiber cement
  • Brick
  • Stone

If you live in a coastal area or a place with high rainfall and humidity, you can also consider moisture-resistant drywall for your construction. Standard drywall is more prone to mold because it retains moisture if it gets wet. Moisture-resistant drywall is made of treated paper or fiberglass, which can resist or repel water.

“A lot of issues with water entry come from window openings,” said Silber. “Typically, a window gets hit with a lot of water through the life of the building. Water collects on the sill or blows in through the flashing, where it’s connected to the wall structure. It’s important to address the flashing and detail work around all window openings because if water gets into the walls, you might not notice until it’s already started to mold and rot.”

Additionally, choosing exterior doors that are designed to withstand the elements can help protect your building from severe damage. Consider using corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum or fiberglass, so that even if your doors get wet, they won’t be prone to rusting or deteriorating. If you live in a region that is particularly susceptible to flooding, consider doors designed for flooding risks, which are often equipped with seals and gaskets that can keep water out.

Building on Solid Ground

Resilient materials can provide the firm foundation your ministry needs to prevent water damage that could leave your facility unusable. FEMA recommends installing flood vents in foundation walls and other enclosed areas so water can flow through and drain out away from the building.4

You can also use flooring and sub-flooring materials that resist moisture. It is important to note that carpet has a class one rating for flood resistance and is considered an unacceptable material in flood-prone areas.5 Consider these water-resistant options when choosing flooring for a construction project.

  • Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
  • Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
  • Stone polymer composite (SPC)
  • Polished concrete

Making proactive choices to prepare your building for the future involves a lot of variables. As you consider ways your ministry can protect itself against natural disasters, be sure to check out the Brotherhood Mutual resource page about other considerations during construction. Additionally, it’s always important to talk to a local construction professional to make sure you understand building codes and use materials that fit your ministry’s needs.

1 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_tb_2_flood_damage-resistant_materials_requirements.pdf
2 https://www.nibs.org/index.php/reports/resilience-incentivization-roadmap-20
3 https://disastersafety.org/hurricane/keep-water-out/
4 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_protect-your-home_flooding.pdf
5 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_tb_2_rev1.pdf

Additional Resources

Posted March 2024

The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program

2024 Brotherhood Mutual

2024 Brotherhood Mutual