Property Flood Resilience (PFR)
Property flood resilience (PFR) is an adaptation of the building to make it more resilient to flooding.
It usually consists of a suite of measures to reduce floodwater ingress into the building (flood resistance) and also changes to the internal design to reduce the time and cost associated with repair or replacement.
If designed and applied coherently, it will mean that risk can be significantly reduced over the lifetime of the measures. However in retro-fitting properties
we cannot guarantee that no floodwater will enter which is why a design may also include for pumping out any water that finds its way through.
A PFR design ahould be informed by the flood risk to the property. This information is often readily available from government oprdganisations such as the Environment Agency, SEPA and Natural Resources Wales.
A property survey will then seek to identify how water can enter the building and consider the suitability of PFR measures. Water is extremely pervasive and so there are many areas that may need to be addressed.
A PFR survey and outline design may be provided by an independent specialist surveyor or we can provide a design service as a part of a design and build contract. If you chose to use an independent surveyor, then we can follow up on the report but a further survey will be required before any products are finalised.
The format of the report and the overall delivery of PFR has the benefit of a Code of Practice developed by government, insurance and industry stakeholders.
When we carry out a survey we will attempt to establish a preferred line of defence and a flood protection height for the design at an early stage so that we can then identify as many of the potential migration routes for floodwater.
These may be affected by the structure of the property or parts of the property. For example, a single-skin wall may not be able to stand up to the pressure exerted by deeper floodwater without a significant risk of damage or collapse. The convention for PFR for most properties is to design to a maximum of 600mm flood depth with anything higher needing to be supported by a structural assessment.
In some circumstances public funding may be available but this is usually very limited. Once we understand your scenario, we may be able to help you direct your enquiries.
Perhaps but it depends on the specific policies of your insurer. If not, then in the event of a flood you can expect to have less damage and to be out of your home for less time.
Firstly, a survey will help inform on the most appropriate measures. Do not succumb to the offer of a free survey, at least not without checking the credentials and Professional Indemnity insurance cover of those making the offer.
We have worked with Historic England and conservation officers across the UK to embed flood resilience into special properties without detriment to their character or protected features.
For guidance see
Apex’s Floodguard range are designed for professional installation. Usually our clients prefer us to provide an end-to-end service as this provides the highest levels of peace of mind.
We are proud to have been appointed to the Environment Agency’s National Property Flood Resilience Framework
Appointed as Specialist Partner for Flood Risk to Aviva Risk Management.
Our services to Aviva clients includes providing advice on mitigation of fl;ood risk and delivering end-to-end solutions.
https://www.aviva.co.uk/risksolutions/protecting-your-property/flood-and-weather/
Founder member of the International Property Flood Resilience Association. The association was formed to represent the PFR industry, working collaboratively with all stakeholders to lead, support and influence mainstreaming of PFR
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