It’s been six months since torrential flooding across northern Colorado destroyed homes, damaged highways and rerouted rivers. In total, the flooding that hit the area between September 11th and 15th, affected 20 counties in an area of nearly 2,000 square miles and destroyed approximately 2,000 homes.
While the images of houses floating away and rivers jumping their banks are starting to fade in our minds, here at Ascent, we’re urging our clients to stay vigilant, as a series of factors related to the flood could result in another wave of damage this spring as things continue to dry out.
While this damage will be less dramatic in nature, it still could cause headaches for homeowners and business owners alike. However, we’re encouraging our clients not to panic, but rather to keep a watchful eye out for any unusual changes in their properties. The key to mitigating future damage is to stay ahead of it.
Since the flood, we’ve been assessing damage on a volunteer basis across Boulder County. We’ve inspected almost 25 structures and have noticed that older structures – both businesses and homes – are most at risk. But, regardless of where you live or work, we advise you to stay wary as the spring approaches. We’re recommending that our clients:
1) Pay attention to new noises – floors that creak more than usual, doors that squeak louder and stick more, and any other unfamiliar sounds. Also, be aware of any floors that appear less level than before.
2) Watch for dry wall fractures – especially around door and window frames.
3) Be on the lookout for new fractures and cracks in a structure’s foundation, especially if there is water seeping through them. A structure’s foundation that has done well up until this point may still experience damage post flood as the snow melts and spring rains come and go. In addition, there may also be settlement issues as the ground below the foundation dries up.
If you do notice any signs of new damage, keep in mind that it may or may not be flood related and that is why it’s important to get professional advice. Older homes may have existing damage due to age that only comes to light once flooding conditions prompt us to look closer. It is also possible to see damage you overlooked in the past as you take a closer look at things post flood. There are three types of resources to consider reaching out to: structural engineers, civil engineers, and soil engineers. In some cases you may need to consult with more than one resource as there may be variable causes for your problem and a team approach will be required to address complex issues.
If you think you have experienced post flood damage and need to rebuild, it’s critical to be mindful of the new laws and codes that are being put into place before you act. Don’t begin the rebuilding process before you understand what and where to build the new structure. In a sense, Mother Nature has reset the playing field and new regulations are being introduced to ensure future construction is safer than before.
If you live within a city, visit your city’s building department. If you do not live within a city or you live in a city without its own building department, check with your county’s building department. Whomever you pay your property taxes to is a good resource to start with. Feel free to contact us, or reach out to our recommended resources below.
International Code Council (ICC)
Colorado Association of Geotechnical Engineers (CAGE)
Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
City of Boulder Colorado: 2013 Flood Maps
