Elevator Requirements for National Flood Insurance Program

𝗣𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗣)

Did you know that most standard residential and commercial property insurance policies 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲—and that replacing a flood-damaged elevator cab can cost 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀?

Flood insurance is typically provided through the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗣), which partners with over 50 private insurers. But keeping your coverage, ensuring claims are paid, and even lowering premiums depends on complying with NFIP building guidelines—especially for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).

One key area of compliance? Elevator installation. Buildings constructed after October 1, 1987, or undergoing substantial improvements or repair from substantial damage, must follow these NFIP guidelines to prevent or minimize flood damage:
✅ Locate elevator equipment above the base flood elevation (BFE) whenever possible
✅ Use flood-resistant materials for components below BFE
✅ For hydraulic elevators:
·       Raise pumps, tanks, and control panels above BFE
·       Install pit drainage
·       Protect hydraulic lines, buffers, and other components from flood damage
✅ For traction elevators:
·       Ensure machine rooms are above BFE
·       Protect all components below the required elevation
✅ In some zones, install walls that equalize hydrostatic pressure or break away under flood loads
✅ And critically: Install a pit flood protection system to prevent the elevator from descending into floodwater, in compliance with ASME A17.1.

💡 This is where Argus Elevator can help.

If you’re renovating or building in a flood zone and need a compliant pit flood protection system, Argus’s 𝗔𝟭𝟬𝟬-𝗣𝗙𝗗 offers 24/7 protection for the cab and its passengers.

It’s easy to install, works with any elevator, and helps ensure your building stays NFIP eligible.