Autumn and winter are approaching, and as with our all too familiar British weather of late, storms and heavy rain are part of the deal. Sadly, some areas will get it worse than others and there’ll be some towns and villages that’ll get flooded. There are many in the UK at risk of flooding and despite all the government has done to help with preventative measures, homes and businesses are still at risk.
So what can we do to prevent our homes and businesses from flooding?
It’s extremely important that we play our own part in protecting our homes and make the necessary preparations for when the bad weather arrives. What preventative measures you need will depend on whether you live in an area that’s susceptible to flooding and what condition your home or business is in.
Flooding will involve water entering your property, usually through doors and windows, but also through other exposed areas such as walls and floors. The drainpipes are a big culprit as they are under a great deal of pressure during heavy rainfall. This can cause all sorts of issues, such as reversing the flow of water and allowing water from outside into your home that could be contaminated and full of dirt. This can come in through toilets, sinks and even a washing machine.
The Environmental Agency has some guidance.
There are ways to make your home both resistant and resilient in the face of flooding. According to advice from the Environmental Agency, you need to make sure your home is safe from water entering your property. Flood resistant measures should be taken before rainstorms are forecast. The resilient part is all about preventing damage where water has entered by making sure your home is resilient enough to survive the onslaught of water.
Take the right measures and you may well get through a rainstorm with your property intact.
Limiting the water from entering your property can include a number of measures. These include raising fuse boxes and sockets so they are further up and away from floor level, the recommended height is 1.5m above floor level. Use tiled flooring or linoleum instead of fitted carpets. Place any valuable items high up rather than near ground level.
Outside you can do some updates on your maintenance by repairing any leaks, making sure gutters are clear of debris. Check your roof for leaks and you can check your garden for ways you can divert water from your property.
You could also consider installing extra drainage, as this will help drain away excess water that comes onto your property during a storm. You’ll already know how important it is to keep your drains clear and that this will help reduce the possibility of blockages, helping rainwater flow through without any problem.
Downspouts.
Make sure any downspouts are pointing away from your house or business and create some space between any mulch and the siding of your walls, because wet mulch can cause rot within the cladding. If there is a space between the two the base of your property is more likely to stay dry after rain.
Flood protection products.
The best flood protection products are guards which will stop water from coming through any gaps, also covers, and damp proof and floor sealing can be raised. You can also fit non-return valves to drain pipes, that way water can’t come back up during a rainstorm.
Anything you buy for your property in relation to drain coverage/protection should come with a kitemark, this would apply to any household goods - especially items like this.
The cost of flood protection.
Cost of flood protection can vary depending on how much you think you need to do, how many repairs you need to cover before your home is fully protected. It could cost anything up to thousands or as little as a few hundred, but whatever it costs, it’s far better than the alternative should your home be vulnerable to flooding.
East of Scotland Drainage Services - Experienced Drainage Professionals
If you’re looking to have drainage work carried out then get in touch with us here at East of Scotland Drainage Services. We can give you advice and guidance on aspects of drainage for flood prevention based on many years of experience.