Despite being critical for accessibility, safety, and overall building functionality, elevator protection is often treated as a lower priority than safeguarding entryways or the building’s perimeter during floods.
In reality, without proper elevator protection, elevators are often among the first areas to flood due to their low-lying structure, particularly in parking garages and building basements. When an elevator floods, it can render an entire building unusable and unsafe, cutting off access for residents, visitors, and emergency personnel.
Last year, one of our clients came to FRA after their condo building’s elevator flooded during the hurricanes. The system was out of service for nearly a year, highlighting just how long and costly repairs can be. For building owners, facility managers, and engineers, understanding proper elevator protection against flood damage can make a significant difference in preventing both operational disruption and serious safety hazards.
Why Elevators Are Vulnerable to Flooding
Elevator systems rely on electrical and mechanical components that are highly sensitive to water:
- Elevator pits collect water easily during basement or ground-level flooding.
- Control panels and motors are often installed at or below grade, making them susceptible to water damage.
- Hydraulic and traction systems can be damaged by even minor water intrusion, leading to operational failure or long-term maintenance issues.
Even a small amount of water can disrupt service, requiring costly repairs and creating safety risks for occupants. Unfortunately, many common flood protection solutions are not designed to safeguard elevators. Products that only protect the perimeter of a building cannot prevent water from entering elevator shafts or mechanical rooms below grade.
Similarly, “one-size-fits-all” flood solutions often fail to address the unique vulnerabilities of elevators, including the electrical systems, hydraulic machinery, and pit areas. Elevator protection needs to account for their confined spaces, low-lying locations, and complex mechanical and electrical components. Without these targeted solutions, standard flood products leave elevators exposed to costly damage and prolonged downtime.
Elevator Protection Solutions to Reduce Flood Risk
There are several strategies and products designed specifically to protect elevators from flooding:
1. Elevator Pit Waterproofing - Sealing elevator pits with waterproof coatings or membranes prevents water from entering the lowest level of the system. This is often combined with proper drainage to redirect water away from the elevator.
2. Flood Barriers and Shields - Custom flood barriers can be installed at building entrances or around elevator shafts to prevent water intrusion during a flood event. These barriers can be deployed quickly and are particularly useful for buildings in high-risk zones.
3. Elevated Equipment Placement - Where possible, control panels, motors, and hydraulic systems should be moved above expected flood levels. This may require structural modifications but significantly reduces the risk of damage.
4. Regular Inspection and Maintenance - Elevator systems in flood-prone areas should be inspected frequently. Check seals, pit drains, and waterproofing systems to ensure they remain effective over time.
Flood Risk America: Experts in Elevator Protection
Flood Risk America is proud to be one of the only flood product companies out there that specializes in protecting elevators - a critical and often overlooked asset. Elevators require targeted strategies and FRA designs solutions specifically for elevator protection, ensuring both safety and operational continuity when floodwaters rise.
Our expertise is backed by our active involvement with the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC). We attend conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest elevator technology, codes, and best practices. This hands-on industry engagement ensures that our flood protection solutions are not only effective but also aligned with real-world elevator systems and maintenance standards.
Professional, well-thought out flood protection measures for elevators not only reduce repair costs but also ensure uninterrupted service for occupants and tenants. With the right elevator protection, building owners can protect these essential systems and minimize disruption during a flood.