The possibility of flooding is something many Australians must consider when it comes to building custom designed sheds.
This is especially true for construction projects in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
With this in mind, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has outlined a number of factors that should be taken into account when constructing commercial sheds.
Designing for safety
Commercial sheds built in flood hazard areas need to be constructed with thought given to issues such as debris, waves and erosion.
If debris is carried along by flood waters and strikes buildings, it can lead to serious damage to structures and cause injuries or even death.
Meanwhile, waves can pose a similar risk to custom designed sheds.
Flooding can also cause erosion of soil and damage shed foundations, something that needs to be calculated and prepared for.
Another issue to consider is floor height requirements. The ABCB states that unless otherwise specified by an appropriate authority, finished floor levels of habitable rooms must be above the flood hazard level.
On the other hand, enclosed non-habitable rooms must be no more than 1 metre below the defined flood level. However, any enclosures below the flood hazard level must contain openings to allow for entry and exit of floodwater.
There are various other guidelines, best practices and regulations in place for construction in regions vulnerable to flooding. However, these rules can change based on location, making it essential to ensure your building is in line with local law.
Fortunately, the building experts at Shed Boss are on hand to assist you every step of the way. This means we will not only design your custom designed shed to suit your site and your needs, we will also help you obtain the proper permits to ensure your shed is in accordance with local building codes.