Our climate is changing and sadly flood events are becoming more common. While insurance can cater for the financial cost, the emotional impact is more difficult. However, by installing protective measures, you can give yourself some control over the risk of flood and minimise the impact should it occur.
Last year saw most parts of the UK being affected, with thousands of properties being flooded.
Despite efforts to improve and strengthen community flood defence schemes, many homes and businesses remain vulnerable.
Here are some products on the market that are designed to offer protection:
- Guards that can be quickly fitted when flooding is imminent. These can stop water from seeping through gaps in external doors, such as front and patio doors.
- Covers that can be fitted over ventilation bricks.
- "Non-return" values fitted to drain pipes and other pipes that could allow water to back-up during a flood.
- Raising damp-proof courses and sealing floors.
If the flood water on the outside of your property becomes deeper than 1m, it is recommended that the water is allowed to come into your home as this depth of water can create sufficient pressure on your outer walls, causing them to move and collapse and resulting in serious structural damage.
You should consider:
- Replacing timber floors with concrete and carpet with tiles - at the point of redecorating a room, lay tiles rather than carpet or laminate flooring.
- Replacing MDF or chipboard kitchen or bathroom units with plastic or steel alternatives - again this could be done if these rooms were being redecorated at any time.
- Replacing gypsum plaster, which is susceptible to water, with more water resistant materials such as lime plaster or cement render.
- Having plastic skirting boards, doors and door surrounds or alternatively varnish these items thoroughly to limit water damage.
- Raising key electrical items such as boilers, wall sockets and meters above the likely flood level.
Want to know if your home or business is at risk? An estimated one in six homes is located within at-risk areas. You can sign up to the Environment Agency’s flood warning service.