After a number of weather warning over the past week, the Property Care Association has drawn up a timely list of measures householders can take to protect their homes against flooding.

With heavy rainfall being a dominant seasonal theme, the PCA says properties across the UK could be under threat again this winter.

The association has revealed a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce the potential for being flooded.

James Berry, Technical Manager of the PCA, said: “For a number of years, we have been developing methods of tackling flooding in buildings through our specialist Flood Protection Group – including investigating ways to ensure water-damaged properties can be promptly returned to their former condition.

“There are numerous measures which can be adopted in modern buildings or during the recovery or refurbishment of older buildings in order to provide degrees of resilience and protection from the effects of flood water.

“It’s a common-sense approach, which can help alleviate a good deal of cost and emotion for those affected by flooding, but we need to see the concept rolled out more widely across the UK.

“For example, recovery works can be speeded up through moving all services, such as boilers and electrical sockets, high up on the wall. Also, kitchens which use materials such as marine ply or steel, can be cleaned, dried and reused.

“The fitting of a membrane to walls and floors, so flood water can run behind it to be collected in a sump/pump unit, rather than entering the property, is another effective measure."

Measures suggested by the PCA to protect against flooding include:

• Fitting a flood protection guard to doors or replacing doors completely with a flood resistant alternative. Garage door protection is also available.

• Replacing standard airbricks with ‘self-closing’ alternatives.

• Fitting a ‘non return valve’ to prevent sewage going back into the building.

• Checking brickwork is in good condition and paint with a water-resistant solution.

• Giving consideration to the fitting of a pump to evacuate water coming from beneath the building.

• Replacing standard gypsum plaster with one of the alternative types that do not absorb or retain water.

• Using ceramic or stone tiles with waterproof adhesive and grout.

• Putting electric sockets higher up the wall (with the cabling coming down from the ceiling, rather than the standard lay-out from below).

• Purchasing a pump or “puddle sucker” to remove water rapidly after flooding.

• Replacing kitchens with one that can be cleaned, dried and reused, such as one made of marine ply or steel.