County of Santa Barbara building code recommendations

As our case studies will show, Cantsink helical piers have proven to be an effective and economical tool for increasing elevation of existing structures as well as for providing permanent support in all types of soils and climate conditions, including those found in coastal and waterside areas. These piers are well-suited to such conditions because they provide secure support without adding the kind of weight that augured concrete entails or the dry curing period needed to set the support properly. Cantsink’s patented pier support was approved for use in recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy.

The NOAA maps at this link denote areas across the nation designated at high risk for flooding. Note that NOAA states plainly that many areas not officially designated at high risk are now considered to be at greater risk of flooding than previously predicted.

Insurance requirements are tied to FEMA maps

FEMA national map of flood-prone areas and published recommendations for minimizing flood insurance premiums. This story from the Citrus County Chronicle in Florida indicates that FEMA is now increasing its designated flood zone areas, which will require more property owners to adhere to building code requirements, including increased elevation, that minimize risk of property damage. Increased elevation is intended to place the inhabited areas of structures at heights well above potential flood levels, preventing those areas from structural damage and subsequent health risks such as mold that follow flooding events.

Chronicle Online

Cantsink helical piers are ideal for structural elevation and permanent support in high flood risk areas because they are designed to bore through soft, porous surface soils to provide the stable support of steel anchored in more dense substrata far below.

This prevents water saturation on the surface from disrupting the alignment of the elevated structure.