Flooded Property? Here’s What To Do — And How To Protect Your Home Long Term
With many areas across the UK experiencing severe rainfall and localised flooding, thousands of property owners are dealing with the stress and disruption that flood water brings.
If you’ve recently been flooded — or you’re worried it could happen to you — here’s what you need to know.
What To Do Immediately After a Flood
Flooding can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can reduce long-term damage.
1. Prioritise Safety
- Do not enter a flooded property until it has been declared safe.
- Be cautious of contaminated water.
- Turn off electricity and gas supplies if safe to do so.
2. Contact Your Insurer
Inform your insurance provider as soon as possible and document the damage with photographs and videos.
3. Start Drying & Ventilation
Once safe:
- Remove standing water
- Increase ventilation
- Use dehumidifiers if available
Moisture left in walls and floors can lead to timber decay, mould growth and long-term structural issues.
4. Get a Professional Assessment
Flood water doesn’t just affect surfaces — it can penetrate walls, insulation and structural timbers. A specialist survey helps determine what needs replacing, drying, or protecting.
The Hidden Risk After Flooding
Even once the visible water has gone, problems can remain:
- Saturated masonry
- Damp insulation
- Timber decay
- Mould growth
- Salt contamination in walls
Without proper remediation, these issues can reappear months later.
That’s why post-flood surveys are critical — not just drying out, but ensuring the building fabric is properly protected.
How To Reduce Flood Risk In The Future
Once you’ve experienced flooding, resilience becomes a priority.
Flood resilience focuses on reducing damage and speeding up recovery should flooding occur again.
Key Flood Resilience Measures
- Flood-resistant wall finishes
- Sump pump systems
- Cavity drain membrane systems
- Non-return drainage valves
- Raised electrics and services
- Waterproof internal wall systems
At Shield Waterproofing & Preservation, we design and install tailored solutions to protect properties from future flood events.
👉 Learn more about our specialist Flood Resilience Services.
Flood Resistance vs Flood Resilience – What’s the Difference?
Flood resistance aims to keep water out completely.
Flood resilience accepts that water may enter but ensures the property can dry quickly with minimal damage.
In high-risk areas, resilience measures often provide the most practical long-term solution.
Is Your Property at Risk?
You may be more vulnerable if:
- You’re near a river or floodplain
- Surface water pooling occurs during heavy rainfall
- Drainage systems struggle during storms
- You’ve experienced flooding before
Proactive measures are far more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
Speak to a Flood Protection Specialist
If your home or commercial property has recently been flooded — or you want to reduce future risk — we’re here to help.
Shield Waterproofing & Preservation provides professional flood resilience surveys and tailored protection systems across the region.
📞 0800 098 2780 Contact us today to arrange a survey and protect your property properly.
Guaranteed Waterproofing Solutions!
Contact Shield Preservation today to learn how our expert waterproofing services can protect your property from water damage and keep it safe and dry for years to come.
Call us today on 0800 098 2780
About Shield Preservation
Shield Preservation was set up by a team of professionals with over 30 years experience in the waterproofing, damp proofing and timber preservation industry. Our surveyors are CSRT and CSSW accredited, offering excellent service and sensible advice, for the smallest to larger projects both domestic and commercial.
With over 30 years’ combined expertise in waterproofing, damp proofing, and timber preservation, the team behind Shield Preservation brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. Our CSRT- and CSSW-accredited surveyors are committed to delivering reliable service and practical advice, whether you’re dealing with a small domestic concern or a large commercial undertaking.
Friendly and professional, our specialists provide bespoke guidance and proven solutions for challenges including waterproofing, damp proofing, woodworm, wet rot, dry rot, timber preservation, concrete repairs, and structural repairs. We also carry out in-depth structural surveys, giving you the clear, informed perspective you need to safeguard your property. Contact us today to discover the most effective approach for your building’s preservation.
Why Choose Shield Preservation?
Team
We boast a highly experienced team of surveyors providing site specific technical advice and designs for the most complex of projects from concept to completion.
Independent
As an independent company we are able to specify the appropriate products from a range of trusted suppliers to best suit the individual site and it’s limitations.
Guaranteed
Our works are backed up with a Shield Preservation Guarantee and we can offer an insurance backed guarantee through CGS (Construction Guarantee Scheme) if requested.
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