Protecting your property

Protecting Your Property

You can never completely eliminate the risk of flooding. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of floodwater entering your home or business, and to reduce the damage if it does.

Often referred to as Property Flood Resilience (PFR) it aims to help properties better withstand flooding and recover more quickly.

What is resilience and resistance?

Flood protection measures generally fall into two categories: resilience and resistance. Most properties benefit from a combination of both.

About resilience

Resilience is about reducing the impact of flooding if water gets inside your property.

The aim is to:

• Minimise damage

• Speed up drying and recovery

• Help you return to your home or reopen your business sooner

  
  

Resilience measures should always be tailored to the individual property. These may include:

• Using breathable or porous plaster

• Installing solid floors or tiled floor coverings

• Raising electrics, sockets, and services

• Having a plan to move furniture and valued items upstairs during a flood ( if possible)

  
  

All structural measures should take account of the type, age, and fabric of the building.

About resistance

Resistance focuses on reducing the amount of water that enters the property.

Examples may include:

• Flood doors or door barriers

• Demountable flood boards

• Airbrick covers or Automatically closing airbricks

• Non‑return valves on drainage pipes

Resistance measures can be effective for shallow or short‑duration flooding, but they are not suitable for all properties or all types of flooding.

Important note for older and period properties

Caution

Older properties—both listed and non‑listed—often require a different approach. Some modern materials or methods can trap moisture and cause long‑term damage to historic buildings.

Everyday practices that work well in modern homes can create serious problems in older properties and affect the future integrity of the building.

For more information, see our guidance on Restoring Old and Period Properties.

The Six Steps to Flood Protection

The Six Steps to Flood Protection provide a clear, step‑by‑step framework to help you reduce flood risk and be better prepared to respond if flooding occurs.

Six Step guidance leaflets

Below are guidance leaflets to help you learn more about flood protection:

• Property Owners Guide

• Local Authorities and Professionals’ Guide

I am thinking of using resistance measures

Why do I need an independent flood risk survey?

Floodwater can enter a building in many different ways—through doors and windows, up through floors, through walls, via air bricks, fireplaces, drainage pipes, and hidden routes you may not be aware of.

An independent flood risk survey helps ensure that:

• Your flood risk is properly understood

• The construction and condition of your property are taken into account

• Measures chosen are suitable for you, your property, and the type of flooding

An independent flood risk surveyor:

• Surveys your whole property

• Identifies how floodwater is likely to enter

• Specifies appropriate measures

• Can provide independent post‑installation sign‑off

Manufacturers and installers will usually carry out their own installation survey, but this focuses on fitting products—it does not replace independent advice on overall flood risk and suitability.

Practicalities and considerations

Blue Pages

The Blue Pages are an independent directory of flood protection products and services, explaining what different options are designed to do and helping you understand what is available.

Standards

Flood protection can feel unfamiliar. The Blue Pages include information on standards, accreditation, and good practice to help you make informed decisions.

Maintenance

All flood protection products require maintenance. Be clear about:

• What needs checking

• How often seals or components need replacing

Some people choose maintenance contracts to help keep products effective.

Testing

It is important that you regularly test your resilience and resistance systems. This will ensure that when a flood occurs you can be confident that they will work properly. Doing this as part of a community exercise, such as with a Flood Action Group can help.

Storage

Consider where and how products will be stored:

• Some items are bulky or heavy

• Many must be stored flat to avoid warping

• All products should be easily accessible during a flood warning

If flooding happens quickly with little notice, choosing products that can be deployed rapidly may be important.

Personal Circumstances

If you have a disability, health condition, or limited mobility, consider:

• What you can safely lift or move

• Whether products are fiddly or complex

• How quickly they can be put in place

Choosing measures that fit your physical needs is essential.