Property Flood Resilience in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire

A property in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire had suffered flooding on multiple occasions. Thankfully, due to Flood Recoverability Measures (including an Iroko water-resistant kitchen), the flooding in 2023 caused less damage than it had on previous occasions. However, the clients were keen to reduce the ingress to their property.

Client Concerns about Flood Protection Aesthetics

💧 The clients were concerned by the potential aesthetics of flood protection. 💧 Hopefully, the images below show how sympathetically this can be achieved.

Implementing Accessible and Viable Resilience Measures

Since the property had not needed plaster removal, there wasn’t an opportunity to tank internally. Therefore, the resilience measures needed to focus on accessible and viable solutions.

The property was surveyed by our sister company FPS Environmental Ltd to help the client access the Property Flood Resilience grant from Nottinghamshire County Council, the Lead Local Flood Authority.

Key Measures Identified and Implemented:

1. Mortar Remediation and Waterproof Additives
   • 🧱 The mortar had become very deteriorated after multiple floods and needed remediation. This was done with a waterproof additive from Safeguard, with the repointing taken to where the buff brick row occurs, ensuring any small color difference is not noticeable.
   • The recommendation was to repoint with a waterproof additive up to circa 600mm H, matching the brick color change for minimal visual impact. 🧱
2. Aperture Protection and Flood Barriers
   • Servicing Existing Flood Doors: FPS arranged the inspection and servicing of previously installed flood doors.
   • New Flood Barriers: Barriers were fitted to the previously undefended bifold doors and garage. A flood barrier was also installed for the porch.
   • For aesthetics, the porch barrier rails were color-coded and hidden behind the pillars. Additionally, block paving was replaced with a concrete strip dyed red to blend seamlessly. 👷 The porch barrier provides space for a strong puddle pump. 🌊
3. Backflow Protection
4. Anti-Flood SMART Airbricks: Replacing low-level airbricks to prevent water ingress.

Water Pumps for Ongoing Resilience

Water pumps remain vital for this scheme. The attached garage, being the lowest point of the house, is fitted with powerful pumps to manage any water ingress.

Enhanced Flood Resilience for the Future

With the flood-resilient kitchen and the newly implemented measures, the property is better prepared for future flood events. Ideally, the client will not need to claim off their insurance next time.

Client Testimonial

Mr. Howe: “After our property was flooded in October 2023, we decided to take further steps to protect our property and reached out to FPS for help.
They completed a really thorough review of our property and associated flood risk and recommended a range of measures, including Flood Barriers, new airbricks, and pumps.
Delivery and installation were great, and whilst we hope they are never needed, the added peace of mind is really great.”