Flood Protection 2 : Top 5 flood resilience tips
Generally speaking, prevention is always better than cure, but if water does breach your home, wouldn’t it be good to know that the damage will be minimal? Here are Highworth Insurance’s top 5 tips for modifying your property to minimise the damage caused by flooding.
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Although it is worth looking into possible local and government grants for help with these types of improvement works, it is worth remembering that these are improvements you are making to your home and not claimable on insurance. Depending on what you are planning, it is a good idea to consult with a surveyor who could make suggestions based on your unique circumstances.
Ideally these types of modifications are best undertaken when other works are being done, for example when carrying out other home improvements or having to repair previous flood damage.
Floors
If your home is prone to flooding there’s more to consider than just the carpets. Stay away from floorboards or wooden flooring and ideally choose titles over a concrete floor.
Walls
This is a big undertaking, but if you have to re-plaster, choose a water resistant material such as lime plaster or a cement render.
Electrics
If it is possible, have electrical points and sockets moved higher up the walls.
Cabinets
New kitchen and bathroom cabinets made of plastic or steel as opposed to wood, MDF or chipboard, could save you a lot upheaval and aggravation in the long run.
Around the edges
In a perfect world, install plastic skirting boards, doors and door frames. Alternatively ensure they are varnished and well maintained.
Get a Quote
Although these works may seem like unnecessary time and expense, in the event of a flood they will buy you considerable peace of mind and give you a lot less work to do during the recovery period once the water has receded.
Of course the greatest peace of mind, if you live in an area prone to flooding, is the knowledge that your property to suitably insured. If flood insurance fills you with trepidation, Highworth Insurance can help. As specialist flood Brokers we understand the risks and can provide you with a competitive quotation based on your unique requirements.
If this topic is of interest to you, we also recommend our articles on:
Flood Re
Flood Resistance
Get a Quote
Although it is worth looking into possible local and government grants for help with these types of improvement works, it is worth remembering that these are improvements you are making to your home and not claimable on insurance. Depending on what you are planning, it is a good idea to consult with a surveyor who could make suggestions based on your unique circumstances.
Ideally these types of modifications are best undertaken when other works are being done, for example when carrying out other home improvements or having to repair previous flood damage.
Floors
If your home is prone to flooding there’s more to consider than just the carpets. Stay away from floorboards or wooden flooring and ideally choose titles over a concrete floor.
Walls
This is a big undertaking, but if you have to re-plaster, choose a water resistant material such as lime plaster or a cement render.
Electrics
If it is possible, have electrical points and sockets moved higher up the walls.
Cabinets
New kitchen and bathroom cabinets made of plastic or steel as opposed to wood, MDF or chipboard, could save you a lot upheaval and aggravation in the long run.
Around the edges
In a perfect world, install plastic skirting boards, doors and door frames. Alternatively ensure they are varnished and well maintained.
Get a Quote
Although these works may seem like unnecessary time and expense, in the event of a flood they will buy you considerable peace of mind and give you a lot less work to do during the recovery period once the water has receded.
Of course the greatest peace of mind, if you live in an area prone to flooding, is the knowledge that your property to suitably insured. If flood insurance fills you with trepidation, Highworth Insurance can help. As specialist flood Brokers we understand the risks and can provide you with a competitive quotation based on your unique requirements.
If this topic is of interest to you, we also recommend our articles on:
Flood Re
Flood Resistance
To discuss your insurance needs with an experienced account manager please call 01202 937430 or apply online to get an instant quote