Flood prevention measures for home owners
The weather is definitely weird lately. We’ve had an extreme Winter and Spring just won’t spring this year despite the weather gurus assurances of a great Summer ahead. The rain comes down in buckets and the winds seem a little extreme for this time of year.
One in six homes flood in the United Kingdom and we all remember the floods of 2012. There are some basic precautions you can take to protect your property from flood damage that we hope will help.
1. Get your insurance up to date
Flood risk areas are increasing so you need to check your location by visiting www.nationalfloodforumorg.uk. You’ll also find a list of flood friendly insurers there along with great tips, advice and offers.
2. Look at Landscape Protection
There are ways to minimise flooding and increase drainage in the area around your home like your garden, driveway, roof run off, gutters and garages.
There are new products for increased drainage for driveways and patios and sometimes, just drilling a few holes through grout can make a difference to the way in which a patio drains and it’s easy to get advice on garden drainage now too. Making a few simple changes in your garden area could help stop water entering your house.
3. Flood barriers to hold back water
It may sound extreme but flood barriers against doors are a great help when the water builds up and now you can order them online directly for a reasonable price.
4. Check your valves!
Many flood victims speak of the backflow of sewerage during rainy seasons but this is easily prevented by fitting non return valves to outlets and drains as well as inlet pipes. Plumbers are well versed in valves and will give you the right options before sewerage adds to your flood problems.
5. Seal the electricity in
Water and electricity don’t mix. If you are in a flood warning area ensure that your home is safer by sealing off all entrances and exits of electrical cabling or piping. Often, gaps are left in masonry or around pipes allowing water to seep in. Fit covers on air bricks and ensure floors are properly sealed using concrete where you can. Most items can be found in your local DIY store.
If you’re in doubt about flooding impact on your home please contact us to arrange a professional surveyor to talk to you and perhaps visit your property.
