Home owners in the UK could make their properties ready to cope with future adverse weather caused by climate change by make some simple and not too expansive adaptations, it is claimed.
Experts believe that by 2100 homes in the UK will need to be able to cope with harsher conditions brought on by climate change including flooding, drought and hotter periods.
Green roofs, water resistant doors and windows along with the ability to harvest rainwater are the kind of features that could help owners make sure their property is fit for the next century.
Climate change could make properties more prone to flooding and overheating but developments to combat adverse conditions do not need to be hugely expensive, according to interiors specialist Hillarys.
There are estimates that British winters could be up to 23% wetter and summers 24% drier and according to the firm knowing how to prepare and avoid unexpected environmental impact is something that should not be overlooked.
Key characteristics of a climate proof house include green roofs, sun shielding window dressings, raised electrical sockets, water resistant doors and windows, rainwater harvesting and cement floors.
The firm says that simple measures like installing a water butt would cost a household £50 and can save an estimated 400 litres of water a year and would help curb energy emissions. This could save money for those who have a water meter installed.
Covering roofs with live greenery like grass and plants can have a number of benefits such as reducing heat penetration, therefore slashing the risk of overheating, it can also help alleviate any potential flood risks as more water runoff is absorbed.
Studies also show that with just a 20% increase from current levels, green roofs could halve the urban heat island effect, the excessive temperatures of built-up areas caused by human activities, by 2050.
Other options include treating existing wooden doors, frames and sills with a preservative to keep water out, or switching them to something inherently more resilient while switching to water efficient appliances is an easy way to reduce the amount of water used in homes.
For example, a low flow shower and ultra-low flush toilet can save a combined total of up to 15,000 litres of water per person per year. Water efficient washing machines costs only slightly more than standard models yet could save round 5,000 litres of water per person per year.
Lawns are regarded a natural way to reduce flood risk as they absorb more water than paving and replacing lower level timber floors with solid concrete is a practical measure that can further increase a home’s resilience to flooding.
‘There’s lots of talk around the science of climate change but we’ve looked at the practical and often very simple measures that all home owners can start making now to ensure their homes are able to withstand more extreme weather conditions in the future,’ said spokesperson Tara Hall.
