Flood resilient measures to reduce water damage to properties

Following extreme storms seen in November and December across the country, homeowners and rebar suppliers have been advised of flood resilient measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of water damage to buildings.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has given some tips to help drain water and make repairs easier following severe storms.

James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: “Being flooded is always traumatic – but knowing that you’ve taken steps to reduce the risk of damage and make the repair process easier should disaster strike again could help in the future.”

Among the measures that could be taken include using water-resistant plaster, installing electrical sockets higher up on walls, having water-resistant doors and windows, fitting plastic or steel bathroom or kitchen units, and replacing timber floors with a waterproof membrane.

Homeowners could also cover their air bricks and vents, while those who are frequently at risk of flooding should consider investing in waterproofing their rooms, installing freestanding pumps to drain water fast, and having one-way valves on drainage pipes and seals on toilets to avoid sewage leaks in the property.

December saw exceptionally heavy rain in several parts of the country, particularly in the north-west of England and in Scotland.

According to the Met Office, it was the wettest December ever recorded and more rainfall fell than in any month since 1910.

It also predicts more wet weather to arrive in the UK, with heavy rain likely to fall before mid-January, increasing the chances of further flooding across the country.