PLUMBING & DRAINAGE


MERCHANTS ON THE FRONTLINE OF FLOOD RESILIENCE


By 2050, one in four properties in the UK is expected to be at risk from flooding. N


o longer confined only to well- known ‘danger zones’, areas previously considered safe could be affected. And if they’re not now, they likely will in the future, thanks to the growing threat of climate change, rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and extreme weather events. This makes proactive flood protection and resilience planning not just advisable, but essential for safeguarding lives, properties, and livelihoods.


David Millward, sales director at Fernco, thinks more work needs to be done to put the power in peoples’ hands to protect their own homes and businesses. He says: “The unlocking of additional flood protection funding has been met with a mix of cautious optimism and concern. Undoubtedly, the Government’s commitment to spend £2.65 billion on flood schemes between 2023 and 2026 is a step in the right direction to develop more flood-resilient communities. But despite this, a critical element of flood protection continues to be neglected—Property Flood Resilience (PFR). Diving deep into the numbers, just £100,000 has so far been allocated to PFR, benefiting fewer than 60 homes. “These figures highlight a disparity between large-scale flood defence projects and individual property-level protections. While substantial funds are directed towards extensive flood defences, investment in PFR measures remains relatively low, leaving many properties without adequate protection against flooding.”


Flood resilience: what is it? Put simply, property flood resilience refers to a broad range of simple, cost-effective measures deployed to protect individual homes and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding.


Unlike large-scale flood defences, which may include sea defences, flood embankments, reservoirs, and flood-resilient infrastructure, PFR measures are generally designed for straightforward, DIY installation, and do not require specialist contractors or complex fittings.


Millward says that PFR products can consist of non-return valves, backwater valves, anti- flood air bricks and covers, and flood bags.


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According to the Environment Agency (EA), they can reduce post-flood repair costs by up to 70% when compared to a home without PFR installed.


“PFR measures can be the difference between residents being able to remain in their homes after a flood or having to move out for many months while extensive repairs take place. Additionally, nearly all residents (97%) with PFR installed report a significant relief—from both property damage and mental stress,” he says.


The barriers to installing PFR However, there are two clear challenges that emerge from PFR, as Millward explains. “The first is that it remains underfunded. While many homeowners and businesses can invest themselves in PFR solutions, vulnerable residents often cannot carry the financial burden, leaving some communities wide open to risk.


“The second is that it is underprioritised. The unfortunate fact is that awareness of these potentially life-saving products is still far too limited. For many homeowners, PFR won’t even be on the radar.


And if it is, it can feel like an optional expense, something to consider only after a flood event. But with the frequency and scale of flooding events increasing, PFR is no longer just an optional investment—it’s essential.” Millward says that this is where the role of builders’ merchants becomes critical. By ensuring that PFR products are readily available, affordable, and understood,


merchants can provide homeowners with the tools to take proactive steps toward safeguarding their properties. “By stocking a range of PFR products, builders’ merchants have an opportunity, and indeed a responsibility, to support the widespread adoption of PFR solutions. Ideally placed in the heart of local communities, they are the ones with direct access to homeowners, builders, and tradespeople. “As trusted sources of information and expertise, builders’ merchants can play a pivotal role in raising awareness of the importance of PFR and helping homeowners identify which solutions are right for them, offering advice on how to install and maintain these systems. In short, builders’ merchants can help communities take control of their own flood resilience,” he says.


More funding and education While the government funding for flood protection marks progress, the current allocation to PFR still falls short with just a handful of homes set to benefit. Millward adds: “We can’t ignore that flooding is becoming an ever-increasing risk to all parts of the country. Yet, as it stands, the lack of funding and awareness around PFR means that many homes remain at risk. What is needed is a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector in order to prioritise property-level flood resilience measures as part of a holistic approach to flood protection.”


He explains that. with the right funding and greater education, PFR can become a integral element of flood resilience in the UK, ensuring that more homes and businesses are safeguarded. Builders’ merchants, he believes, will be central to supporting this shift, helping to make PFR products accessible and ensuring that communities are better prepared with ‘on the ground’ support and expertise. “At Fernco, we are committed to highlighting the importance of PFR and advocate for improved education and access to these solutions in all communities. Together, we can help put the control in homeowners’ hands to empower them to make immediate, cost- effective investments to protect their properties against flooding.” BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2025


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