Three things you can do to protect your home against flood damage

Do you know if your property is at risk of flooding? Despite climate change melting immense amounts of Arctic ice every year,sea levels rising and increased torrential rain, many homeowners simply don’t know the answer to this question. But with 1 in 6 UK buildings at risk of flooding, it’s time we all began to consider how we can protect our homes.

Investing in renovations to increase the flood safety of your home may not be free, but it could save you thousands in the event of a flood. Water-damaged properties are complex and costly to restore, and in severe cases can become uninhabitable whilst repairs are made.

Let’s discover three easy things you can do to help protect your home against flood damage. 

Elevate critical systems

If you have discovered your home is in a high flood-risk area, the first thing you need to do is elevate your critical systems above potential flood levels. This should be at least 1.5m above ground level and includes your electrical sockets, heating systems, phone and internet sockets and essential utilities. This will help to reduce the amount of water damage should a flood occur, and may also allow you to call for help in an emergency.

Whilst you’ve got the bucket of plaster out, take the opportunity to seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation and walls to make it harder for water to seep in. You can install weatherstripping to your windows and doors or invest in flood barriers to protect against water and reduce the chances of it entering your house.

Strategize your landscaping

If your flood risk isn’t high, but you would still like the reassurance that excess water will be directed away from your property, there are some creative ways to landscape your outdoor areas for this purpose. Sloping the ground away from the foundation of your home, adding French drains or digging pits filled with gravel will all help divert flash-flood water away from your home.

As the planet continues to change, more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns look to affect us all. By proactively planning your outdoor space to accommodate flooding, you’ll be one step ahead . 

Install a sump pump

In areas with a high risk of frequent flooding, a sump pump is an invaluable tool for helping to protect your home. Usually, these are installed in the lowest part of your home – in the cellar or garage, for example. These work by using pressure to suck water into the pump and transport it through a pipe away from the property. 

There are two types of sump pumps, submersible and pedestal. The pedestal pumps sit overground and are cheaper to install. However, they tend to be noisy and cannot deal with the same volume of water as a submersible pump. If flooding is a real concern for you, it’s best to invest in a submersible pump.

Don’t be caught out

By taking proactive steps and implementing strategies to protect your home against flood damage, you can significantly reduce the impact should it occur. By fortifying your property with these flood safety measures, you can be ready and waiting should the worst happen, rather than caught out and facing an expensive disaster.

Published: 22 January 2024