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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FROM FLOODING

How to protect your property from flooding

Taking action now could reduce the potential impact flooding may have

The world’s current climate change is likely to result in an ever increasing risk of flooding for many UK properties. If you are in an area at risk, taking action now could reduce the potential impact flooding may have.

Resistance and resilience are the proactive approaches recommended by The Environmental Agency, resistance to reduce the level of water that can enter the property in the first place and resilience to lessen the damage caused.

Flood resistance

Flood resistance helps prevent water getting into a property in the first place, there are a number of measures that can be installed onto or into a building in an attempt to keep water out, these include:

  • Rendering external surfaces

Silicone based render is hydrophobic, effectively creating a layer of water repellence and can be applied to external walls of a property to improve water resistance.

  • Raising damp-proof courses and sealing floors

Sealing floors and walls just above flood level prevents entry of water into the building.

  • Closing air brick vents

Changing existing air bricks to a special flood prevention design that has an automatic closing device can increase flood resistance.

  • Non return valves

Non return valves automatically close when water or sewage flows back through them during a flood and can reduce the amount damage caused in a property internally. 

  • Flood barriers

Larger openings such as doors and windows can be protected using flood barriers. These may only keep water out for a limited period of time, depending on the water level, but can provide extra valuable time for the property at risk from flash flooding.

  • Modern sandbags

Keeping a supply of modern water absorbent sandbags on standby can be used to create an instant barrier which will soak up water.

Flood resilience

Where a property has been flooded before or is considered to be at risk there are measures that can be taken to reduce future repair works should flooding take place:

  • Floor coverings

Some floor coverings like tiles and solid wood are affected less by flood water than laminate flooring or carpeting.

  • Fixtures and fittings

When selecting fixtures and fittings, choosing products made from MDF and plasterboard which have low durability to floodwater, is not as advisable as choosing products made from solid wood, steel and plastic which are more hardwearing and water resilient heightening their chances of flood survivability.

  • Electrical wiring

Raising electrical sockets, fuse boxes and electrical devices at least 1.5 metres above the floor can put them at less risk should flooding occur.

  • Water sensors

Lastly, installing a water sensor can provide a much appreciated early warning sign to potential attack on your property from flood water.

If you are living in a property at risk of flooding and looking for expert advice regarding resistance and resilience contact Westone Housing on 01733 320500 or visit www.westonehousing.co.uk

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