With the UK in the grip of another cold plunge of Arctic air, most of us are retreating indoors to get cosy. The northerly airflow has brought very cold conditions for the whole country, with snow showers and frost for many areas at times, as well as a number of severe weather warnings for the coming days. It’s not just the roads and public transport that the weather can impact though. Heavy rain and snow are leading causes of water ingress, making it especially important to ensure our properties are adequately waterproofed if we want to weather the storm in a warm and cosy home. 

Stormy weather across the UK
The end of December saw storm Gerrit’s damaging winds and heavy rain across the UK, with gusts over 81mph, flooding, and heavy snow in some areas. Greater Manchester even saw a mini-tornado which was responsible for tearing down walls, trees, and even entire roofs. Storm Gerrit was one of many which contributed to a prolonged period of wet and windy weather throughout much of the autumn and early winter, and indeed the UK had 48% more rainfall than average in December. Both extended periods of wet weather, and dramatic storms with fierce winds can be a challenge to property maintenance, so such trends in climate are not to be ignored by home owners.
Mike Kendon is a climate information scientist working for the National Climate Information Centre, and develops systems for monitoring the UK’s climate. He said of last year’s weather: “Despite the mild conditions in the year, 2023 had more than its fair share of rain, with impactful storms like Babet and Ciaran also influencing the figures.

Kendon continued: “Climate projections suggest an increase in the frequency of hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters, and we’ve seen a generally warm and wet autumn and start to the 2023/2024 winter. Overall, this has been another wet year for the UK with 11% more rainfall than average. A warmer atmosphere has a greater capacity to hold moisture, so as our climate warms, we expect it to become wetter too and, while there is a large amount of annual variability, that trend is also apparent in the observations.”

How bad weather can cause damp inside our homes
Bad weather, from heavy rains and strong winds to extremes in temperatures, can pose significant threats to the structural integrity and general maintenance of your property. The extent of damage can vary depending on the severity of the weather conditions, as well as the overall condition of your property, not to mention the measures you take to mitigate risks from weather damage. There are of course some risks that cannot necessarily be prepared for, such as electrical damage and fire following lightening strike, and structural damage from fallen or flying debris such as trees or other large items. However, most risks can be reduced by good maintenance and preparation.

Severe windstorms are becoming more common, and can cause extensive damage to roofs, windows, and doors. Flying debris, fallen trees, and power lines can pose additional risks to your home and personal safety. Though a little more rare, severe hailstorms can also result in damage to roofs, windows, and outdoor structures, and depending on the size and intensity of the hailstones, they can leave dents, cracks, or even punctures in various surfaces. More commonly, the weight of accumulated snow on roofs can lead to structural stress, potentially causing roof collapses and wall damage. Snow and ice accumulating in gutters can also cause blockages, leading to water seepage and damage to ceilings and walls, and of course frozen water pipes are a common hazard, causing extensive water damage once they thaw.

Indeed, the most regular damage is likely to be caused by water ingress, and rising damp is an issue often noticed after prolonged periods of rain. Persistent and heavy rain can lead to flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage systems or low-lying landscapes. Flooded cellars can cause structural damage, ruin belongings, and create a breeding ground for mould. Excessive rainfall and flooding can also erode the soil around the foundation of your home, compromising its stability and potentially leading to structural issues such as sinking or settling. When the soil around your home becomes saturated with water, it can also exert hydrostatic pressure on the foundation, which may lead to foundation cracks or shifting. Inside the property itself, any prolonged exposure to damp conditions, whether due to flooding or persistent humidity, can create an environment conducive to the growth of mould. Mould can affect decorative finishes, damage walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, and poses health risks to occupants.

How to avoid water ingress during bad weather
Consistent and proactive maintenance are key to preventing water ingress and the resulting issues in your property, especially during prolonged periods of bad weather. Keeping on top of this can save money further down the line in expensive repair work, and even serious structural damage. Starting at the top is always a good idea, ensuring your roof is well maintained with no damaged or missing tiles, and no leaks or other issues. Checking your gutters is another important job while you have the ladders out, making sure none are clogged or cracked, as this can lead to water accumulating and seeping into the walls.

Moving closer to ground level, check the condition of the walls for signs of rising damp, such as the tell-tale ‘tide mark’ up to 1m from the ground. If your home lacks a damp-proof course (DPC) or if the existing one is inadequate, consider investing in professional installation. A properly installed DPC acts as a barrier against rising damp and is an essential preventative measure. Keep the area around your DPC clear of debris and soil buildup, and ensure that the ground slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling and compromising the effectiveness of the DPC.

Look out for cracks or damage to external render at all levels on the walls, which can provide an entry point for moisture. Regularly inspect the external walls for any signs of wear and tear, and repair the render promptly to maintain a waterproof barrier. Bad weather, especially heavy rainfall, poses a significant threat to the external walls of your home. Waterproofing these surfaces is a proactive step to prevent water ingress, and investing in professionally applied sealants on external walls will create a protective barrier against moisture.

In addition to safeguarding the exterior of your home, internal damp-proofing measures are equally important in preventing rising damp. In areas prone to dampness such as cellars, consider installing damp-proof membranes on walls and floors. These membranes act as a barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into the internal structure. Adequate ventilation is key to preventing dampness inside your home. Ensure that rooms are well-ventilated, especially in areas with high humidity or moisture-prone activities such as in the kitchen and bathroom. If necessary, invest in dehumidifiers to reduce excess moisture in the air.

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With British weather so unpredictable, it is not uncommon for home owners to be caught out by water related property damage, including rising or penetrating damp. Taking care of your home during bad weather requires a combination of proactive measures, regular maintenance, and being ready to deal with any issues that may arise. Timely intervention can prevent further damage and save you from costly repairs in the long run. 

If you’re concerned about a damp issue in your home, don’t hesitate to call our friendly team. They have the knowledge and experience to diagnose the problem and advise you on the best course of action, so that you needn’t worry about it escalating and causing any further issues.