Tips to protect homes against flooding
Flooding is still very much in the news and your Association is continuously working to keep the message of flood protection and resilience out there. We have written many blogs on the frequency of flooding events rapidly rising, and with water levels high across the country we have drawn up a list of measures for householders to protect their homes against flooding, and help mitigate damage caused by flood waters. These helpful tips cover some measures that can be adopted in modern buildings, or during the recovery or refurbishment of older buildings, to provide degrees of resilience and protection from the effects of flood water.
Register with the Environment Agency & Prepare a Flood Plan
We know that unfortunately, flooding impacts on far too many homes across the UK and can have a catastrophic impact on householders, whose whole quality of life is affected. However, there are some actions that can be taken to help alleviate a good deal of cost and emotion for those affected by flooding... Before spending any money on flood defence:
- Register with the Environment Agency (EA) for flood alerts if you are eligible, and
- Prepare a simple, personal flood plan
The first action can give time to make ready and the second will help remind you what you need to be doing to protect the things that are really precious to you - especially at a time when emotions are running high and good decisions are harder to make. Information on both are available at the EA website and what's more, neither will cost a penny!
PCA's top tips
The following measures can be undertaken to protect and defend homes and business against flooding. These top tips include:-
- Fitting a flood protection guard to doors or replacing doors completely with a flood resistant alternative. Garage door protection is also available.
- Replacing standard airbricks with ‘self-closing’ alternatives.
- Fitting a ‘non return valve’ to prevent sewage going back into the building.
- Checking brickwork is in good condition and paint with a water-resistant solution.
- Giving consideration to the fitting of a pump to evacuate water coming from beneath the building.
- Replacing standard gypsum plaster with one of the alternative types that do not absorb or retain water.
- Using ceramic or stone tiles with waterproof adhesive and grout.
- Putting electric sockets higher up the wall (with the cabling coming down from the ceiling, rather than the standard lay-out from below).
- Purchasing a pump or “puddle sucker” to remove water rapidly after flooding.
- Replacing kitchens with one that can be cleaned, dried and reused, such as one made of marine ply or steel.
For more information on flood prevention and flood defence systems, click the button:
Find Flood Specialists Near You >>
Remember to keep in the loop...
Find out the latest news instantly by following the PCA via our social media channels:
linkedin facebook twitter