Building improvements

When you’re thinking about improvements or repairs there are steps you can take to improve flood resistance after water has entered the building. 

  • Avoid wallpaper as this will peel off in water. Instead consider water-resistant paint or horizontal plasterboard which can be replaced easily.

  • Fit stainless steel or PVCu kitchen units, rather than MDF or wood, as these almost always need to be replaced after flooding.

  • If rewiring, consider raising switches, sockets and meters to a height of at least 900 mm (3 feet) above floor level. 

  • Perishable flooring such as carpet or laminate can be replaced by rugs or ceramic tiles.

  • Raise kitchen and catering appliances above floor level.

  • Raise gas meters, central heating boilers and associated pumps above maximum expected flood water level.

  • Install plastic skirting boards.

  • Check internal and external walls for cracks and seal them.

  • Consider having extended concrete footings and a waterproof membrane laid in foundations.

Useful additional information and an indication of the costs involved, can be found in the Association of British Insurer’s publication Flood Resilient Homes from their website external link and in the Construction Industry Research & Information Association’s Improving the Flood Resistance of your Home advice sheets at CIRIA external link.