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Flood events can occur by water entering your home from a variety of sources, which might not necessarily be near-by or obvious. These include:
You can find out if your property is at risk of flooding from the Environment Agency who regularly publish a three day flood risk forecast throughout the county; visit their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or contact Floodline Warnings Direct by calling 0845 988 1188.
Floodwater will enter your house through a variety of ways, such as:
The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) have produced a series of detailed guidance papers on how floodwater enters a house and how to improve the flood resistance of your home. These can be downloaded from our website below;
Alternatively visit the CIRIA website for further information: www.ciria.org.uk/flooding
The depth of water is a key factor to controlling the extent of flood damage. Knowing the level of flood water and the risk to your property will help you reduce the overall extent of damage to your property and belongings.
If you think your home is at risk from flooding you will need to find out the answers to the following questions:
The extent of damage caused by flooding can vary and depends mainly on the depth and duration of the flood, the source of floodwater and degree of contamination. The extent of flood damage is expected to increase as water rises above floor level and comes into contact with carpets, furniture, electrical appliances, kitchen units, plaster and joinery. The extent of damage can however be mitigated if you prepare for a flood by removing vulnerable belongings and furnishings and use flood defences.
Following a flood, you, your family and pets may need to vacate the property during sanitisation, cleaning, drying and repair works. This may incur further costs in addition to those associated with the initial flood and repair. Your insurance policy will provide further information on what exactly is covered.
It is important to recognise that the damage to your property is only part of the total cost of flooding. It is not unusual to experience feelings of stress due to the loss of belongings, organising repairs and absence of usual routine. It is not until you consider the intangible costs of flooding with the costs of repair and restoration that you can fully estimate how flooding will affect you and therefore make a decision on how to reduce the associated impacts. *Extract from CIRIA advice paper 1*
To ensure you have the maximum amount of time to make preparations and implement flood defence systems, we recommend you sign up for the Environment Agency's Flood Warning System, either visit their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or contact Flood-line Warnings Direct by calling 0845 988 1188.
If your property is located in a flood risk area, we recommend you consider investing in flood defence systems even if you have never experienced a flood previously. These systems do not need to be permanent or extensive. Simple maintenance of the walls and floors, sealing gaps around services entering through walls, windows and door frames will all help minimise the impact of a flood.
You should also consider defence systems such as; flood boards for doors, windows, patio doors and garages, as well as airbrick covers and non-return valves for drainage systems. Our property level resilience reports will design the most effective flood defence system for your scenario.
Despite all efforts made to reduce flood water ingress you should expect some water may enter. It is therefore worth considering how you can minimise the extent of damage by removing valuable furnishings and belongings and fixtures and fittings.
It is also recommended you check your level of insurance cover and notify your insurance company if you believe you are at risk of a flood.
If your in need of help or advice, please don't hesitate to contact us.
