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Property Flood Resilience (PFR)

The most important thing is to prepare in advance. You will not have time to buy or put measures in place once flooding is likely.

We recommend that if you are at risk of flooding that you carry out permanent and effective measures to protect your property, known as property flood resilience (PFR) measures. 

  • Doors – consider purpose-built flood board / gates that can be put in place when flooding is imminent. It may be possible to replace your existing external door with one that is flood-proof. Door thresholds can also be raised.
  • Walls and floors – consider raising damp-proof brick courses. Sealing floors and ‘tanking’ (creating a tank-like seal to protect walls against water penetration) can prevent water rising up through the ground.
  • Air bricks – replace with those that automatically close when flood water rises or fit specially designed covers that can be placed over ventilation bricks when flooding is imminent.
  • Drains and pipes – non-return valves on drains and water inlets/outlets can prevent water from coming back up the drains and toilet foul pipe.

If you are going to buy a flood protection product, check it meets the British Standards Institute (BSI) specification. The BSI maintain a list of all manufacturers of flood protection products that have been approved by them.

  • Doors – consider purpose-built flood board / gates that can be put in place when flooding is imminent. It may be possible to replace your existing external door with one that is flood-proof. Door thresholds can also be raised.
  • Walls and floors – consider raising damp-proof brick courses. Sealing floors and ‘tanking’ (creating a tank-like seal to protect walls against water penetration) can prevent water rising up through the ground.
  • Air bricks – replace with those that automatically close when flood water rises or fit specially designed covers that can be placed over ventilation bricks when flooding is imminent.
  • Drains and pipes – non-return valves on drains and water inlets/outlets can prevent water from coming back up the drains and toilet foul pipe.

If you are going to buy a flood protection product, check it meets the British Standards Institute (BSI) specification. The BSI maintain a list of all manufacturers of flood protection products that have been approved by them.

  • Fit plug sockets, boilers, and service meters higher on walls.
  • Choose water-resistant door and window frames (and use silicone sealant).
  • Get a chemical damp-proof course below joist level; and install automatic airbricks or those with removable covers.
  • Replace mineral insulation within walls with closed cell insulation.
  • Have non-return valves in drainage pipes to prevent sewage backing up into the house.
  • Check access points for pipes (for example, washing machines) for gaps and fill.
  • Use waterproof sealant on external walls; waterproof paint on internal walls.
  • Replace carpets with floor tiles.
  • Go for solid flooring (concrete covered with treated timber or sealed tiles) - more resistant than floorboards or chipboard.
  • Have wood or plastic kitchen/bathroom units rather than MDF/chipboard.
  • Pick lime or cement render – more water-resistant than normal plaster.
  • Replace ovens with raised, built-under types.
  • Choose rugs rather than fitted carpets.

Remember to check with your insurer to ensure they are aware of any flood resilience improvements you have made. Any work you carry out could lead to lower premiums.

  • Fit plug sockets, boilers, and service meters higher on walls.
  • Choose water-resistant door and window frames (and use silicone sealant).
  • Get a chemical damp-proof course below joist level; and install automatic airbricks or those with removable covers.
  • Replace mineral insulation within walls with closed cell insulation.
  • Have non-return valves in drainage pipes to prevent sewage backing up into the house.
  • Check access points for pipes (for example, washing machines) for gaps and fill.
  • Use waterproof sealant on external walls; waterproof paint on internal walls.
  • Replace carpets with floor tiles.
  • Go for solid flooring (concrete covered with treated timber or sealed tiles) - more resistant than floorboards or chipboard.
  • Have wood or plastic kitchen/bathroom units rather than MDF/chipboard.
  • Pick lime or cement render – more water-resistant than normal plaster.
  • Replace ovens with raised, built-under types.
  • Choose rugs rather than fitted carpets.

Remember to check with your insurer to ensure they are aware of any flood resilience improvements you have made. Any work you carry out could lead to lower premiums.

If you make permanent changes to protect your property, it is recommended you seek professional advice. Currently there is no formal assurance scheme for flood surveyors. The following institutions hold lists of members who have undergone internal vetting and adhere to a common code of conduct:

Understanding your flood risk will help you to be prepared and increase your property's flood resilience before flooding occurs.

If you make permanent changes to protect your property, it is recommended you seek professional advice. Currently there is no formal assurance scheme for flood surveyors. The following institutions hold lists of members who have undergone internal vetting and adhere to a common code of conduct:

Understanding your flood risk will help you to be prepared and increase your property's flood resilience before flooding occurs.

Back to main flood guide

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