Flood Protection

For more information on the different types of flooding which can affect your home or property please click the images below

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The Flood Protection Association (FPA) is very keen to promote strong advice and good practice amongst its members.

We hope the following steps prove to be a logical way for property owners to assess their flood risk and take the appropriate steps to help alleviate their issues.

FPA GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY

  1. Visit the Environment Agency (EA) web site at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspxwhere you can read about the new flood warnings and advice on what to do in a flood emergency.
    1. Click on the Flood Map link towards the top left hand corner of the screen and enter your post code or home town into the search field and press go.
    2. This will give you a rough idea of your exposure to a 1 in a 100 (1%) year event for rivers and a 1 in a 200 (0.5%) year event for coastal flooding.
    3. The light blue in the map shows the extent of a 1 in a 1,000 (0.1%) chance of flooding for both scenarios.
    4. DO NOT THINK THESE PERCENTAGES ARE SMALL. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS IN ANY BLUE AREA ON THESE MAPS IT IS LIKELY TO FLOOD AT SOME TIME OR ANOTHER.
  2. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE MAPS DO NOT SHOW THE EFFECTS OF RAINFALL (PLUVIAL FLOODING) WHICH IS THE CAUSE OF SURFACE WATER OR FLASH FLOODING.
  3. If your property is in or near to a blue area on the map it is advisable to purchase your own flood map.
    1. A simple desk top study from a company such as Landmark will cost as little as £30 and will provide a property owner with an accurate flood map showing their property, the likelihood of flooding and the flood depths.
  4. Depending on the extent of your flood risk a more detailed Flood Risk Assessment may be required. This will involve a physical survey of the property and will reveal the following;
    1. A list of all vulnerable apertures – doors, windows, air bricks.
    2. A list of all wall ingress points – pipes, BT/cable entry points, boiler vents, etc.
    3. An inspection of the wall to see if it will withstand standing water for a period in excess of 24 hours. This will include checking of brickwork, mortar, etc.
    4. A check on utility meters below a 900mm threshold.
    5. A check on the internal floor of the property. Properties with raised floors, cellars and basements are obviously more prone to flooding than others.
    6. A check on the sewerage system which is particularly important if the property has downstairs toilets and showers.
  5. Next you should request quotes from a number of our members. It is advisable to only fit BSI Kitemark accredited flood defence solutions (where available) as these are the preferred choice of insurers – an important factor in your decision making if you wish to maintain flood insurance cover.
  6. You should note that most properties in the UK can only  be protected from flooding up to a maximum height of 900mm. If your building is structurally sound and has been passed by a structural engineer then non-BSI products/services are available to provide higher protection than the 900mm norm.
  7. Check that the solutions being offered to you are suitable in both height and width and conform to the member’s Kitemark (PAS1188) certificate.
  8. Compare prices, leakage rates, guarantees and warranties and make your choice.

We hope you find this guidance useful.