Farm Shed Flood Risk and How to Reduce It

23 March

Need to Know:

  • We encourage you to seek expert advice from your local council for flood risk assessment and necessary approvals for your farm shed. 
  • Selecting an elevated location away from watercourses and ensuring proper drainage are advisable for minimising flood risk.
  • Building shed slabs above ground also helps prevent water damage.
Ross Barker
Ross Barker

Managing Director, Buffalo Built

In this Article:

Protecting Your Farm Shed from Floods

Flooding and the damage it can cause have been front of mind in recent weeks, as the March 2022 floods rage throughout the East Coast. The total devastation of the Queensland and NSW floods has prompted some customers to ask “how do I avoid my farm shed flooding?”

For many in the path of the widespread floods, unfortunately, there was nothing more that could have been done to prevent extensive damage. However, as most floods do not reach the catastrophic levels we’ve seen recently, there are some things you can do to mitigate damage in the event of a minor flood event.

We’ve compiled a list of our top tips for minimising flood risk in the majority of cases where flooding is localised

Seek Expert Advice on Flood Risk

Your local council will have planning stipulations in place to mitigate flooding of your property, including your sheds. If you have concerns, your council should be the first phone call you make. If your shed is in a flood-prone area, such as near a waterway, you will likely need certain approvals from your local council to ensure it is in a safe place to build, meaning most sheds should generally be located in the optimum position anyway. Council regulations may include stipulations about location, height levels, drainage and soil testing.

Every council is different, so even if you don’t have to get permits, we still encourage you to speak with your local experts if you’re concerned about anything at all.

Location, Location, Location

We all know that location is key when it comes to real estate – but it’s also extremely important for sheds as well! By selecting a location that is elevated, doesn’t sit on or near a watercourse, and is on suitable soil, your shed (and its contents) have the best chance of surviving a flood.

Get The Drainage Right in Your Farm Shed

Controlling the flow of water allows you to steer it away from your home or shed. This may require the construction of small levee banks and drains, and should include expert advice if you are altering a watercourse or moving significant amounts of soil. The last thing you want to do is eradicate a problem on your property, but then create a new problem for a neighbour or nearby property.

"Drainage is also something to consider for any future improvements to your property. For example, if you change your driveway, will that change the way water flows in a storm? How will this impact your property"
Ross Barker
Ross Barker

Slabs Should be Above Ground

Never dig your shed slab into the ground – this will create a low point and water will run here. It often doesn’t take much fill on top, or for the slab to be boxed out and poured on top of the soil, so a slightly raised slab is the way to go. This encourages water to flow away from the base of your shed, going some way to protect your valuables from water damage.

It doesn’t protect from all flooding, but it’s a good preventative measure that stops otherwise easily prevented flooding. Read more about how to pour the perfect slab in this article.

farm sheds
Ross Barker

Ross Barker

Managing Director, Buffalo Built

Get Advice on Building a Flood-Resistant Farm Shed

If you have any questions the team at Buffalo Built Sheds in Wangaratta and Mansfield are always happy to help out. We have decades of experience helping locals build strong, robust and great-looking farm sheds, garages, carports and more.