El Niño: Now is the time to get Flood Ready
The Met Office has warned that the exceptionally strong El Niño developing this year could increase the chances of wetter and stormier conditions across the UK during the autumn and early winter.
Since moving into his home in 2016, the River Severn has taken to flooding Ian’s home at least once every year, and every flood helps Ian understand how the river water is entering his home and how he can improves his PFR measures. Ian’s story features in my ebook and shows the measures he took up until the floods of 2022, and the lessons he learnt. I will soon be updating the ebook and Ian’s ‘Phase 3’ will be featured as it was a major improvement and makes for a fascinating read!
He had noticed that the original tanking had holes in it and water found its way in through them. He also said if the application of slurry used in his back lobby was successful, he would consider pulling up the flooring in the open-plan living room and would redo his entire downstairs using this system. It was and so, in 2025, he decided to do just that.
This work involved moving out for many months and considerable expense, however Ian believes it was all worth it, as he loves living in the house with such a fabulous view of the River Severn.
Whilst the strip out was taking place, Ian noticed the bottom of his staircase was starting to rot due to repeated floods. He also found all the holes in the original tanking, which was poorly installed. Ian had extensive expert advice before starting this huge retrofit and also used a builder who was skilled at undertaking this type of work.
In total, the work undertaken included:
- Remove inner wall and stairs
- Seal all gaps around floors/wall with waterproof cement, add joint fillet.
- Waterproof tanking (Koster) applied to floor/walls
- Floor raised 15cm to max height – making the floor level with the windowsill
- Replace pendant lights with downlights, due to the loss of head height in the room
- Waterproof tanking second layer to floor/walls
- Epoxy based liquid waterproof membrane
- Tiling floor/lower walls, including slight inclines on floor towards pump wells
- New raised kitchen installed on stainless steel legs
- New open-plan stairs, raised on a plinth.
- Installation of hose points to front exterior and interior
- Installation of Sump & Pump areas front/rear, with permanent pump placement/outlet.
At time of writing, Ian’s work has not been challenged by the River Severn, however he says, ‘Bring it on!’ – I will keep you updated!
Copyright: Mary Long-Dhonau January 2026
