Considering the Effects of Climate Change and Increased Rainfall

Posted by The Landsite on 4th July 2022 -

According to the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, it's estimated that UK winters could be up to 23% wetter, while summers could be up to 24% drier.

The sustainable development of new homes is key to reducing our environmental impact, but developers must also consider the challenges of extreme weather conditions and changing temperatures. 

Weather-related damage to property is becoming more regular. Wetter winters mean an increased chance of damp in buildings, and storms with high winds increase the likelihood of rain penetration in exposed areas. Water can enter buildings in many ways and cause serious damage to their structure and contents.

We must consider the impact of increased rainfall and flooding on new builds and existing homes to avoid the devastating effect water damage from rain can have on a building.   

As Yeoman Rainguard, rainwater systems specialists will advise – a property's roof is its first line of defence so having a quality rainwater system is essential. If water ingress, mould and moisture damage are left for too long, they can lead to rot within the structural timbers of your roof space. 

Guttering is a vital part of a rainwater system, diverting rainwater from the building and protecting the structure and foundations. And downpipes must have the capacity to transport water away from your guttering to your drains/water butts to avoid guttering overflow and water ingress.

If either guttering or downpipes fail – water runoff and leaks will dampen walls causing mould and can result in foundation issues. Rainwater gathering around a building's foundations can be absorbed in the ground, crack the foundations, or lead to subsidence. 

Climate change is inevitable, so eco home builders are employing multiple solutions to future-proof new homes. Combining innovative solutions such as living roofs, which absorb more water runoff, along with more standard approaches such as treating wooden doors, frames and sills or using more weather resilient ones to lessen the risk of water damage. Even using lawn instead of paving and replacing lower-level timber floors with concrete will increase a building's resilience to extreme weather conditions. 

The Met Office has predicted that by 2050 average temperatures in the UK could increase by 1.7℃, with more frequent and longer-lasting heat waves, more extreme rainfall, and more regular and powerful storms. For buyers looking at new homes for sale, especially with mortgages averaging 30 years, an eco-friendly property that has considered the impact of climate change is an increasingly appealing one. 

Building greener homes to help the environment is no longer just a ‘nice thing to do’, it’s a vital part of the plan to help us adapt and live with the impact of climate change. 

Learn more about rainwater systems specialists Yeoman Rainguard on The Landsite. 

 

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