Flood Defence Items

Most of the flood defence items listed have technical guides, as well as installation guides. Check out our downloads, & guides for more information. 

Note: We're currently updating our installation guides with images to aid the instructions. If in doubt, please feel free to contact us or get in touch with a local installer to assist.

• What is Property Level Protection (PLP)?
  Property Level Protection (PLP), which is also referred to as property level resilience, are measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of flooding. They can be categorised into the following two groups: – Flood resistance measures involve trying to stop the water entering the property in the first place. These can usually be fitted to the outside of a property to prevent or limit the flood water getting in and can include flood boards, air brick covers, non-return valves and pumps, as well as work to ensure that the fabric of the property is sound. Flood resilience is about reducing the damage to the inside of your property in the event water does enter and speeding up the time it takes to recover after a flood. Such measures that can be taken include using porous plaster, fitting solid floors or tiled floor coverings, raising electrics to preserve the electricity supply and taking simple steps in a flood event to move furniture and valuable possessions upstairs to lessen the damage flood water can cause.
• Can You Fit Defence Products to Commercial or Listed Properties?
  To commerical properties yes, listed buildings or conservation areas - maybe. Conservation areas or listed buildings may have restrictions on what's allowed, and some compromises may be made on options available and their installation. This can include colour coding to match the buildings, décor or installation reactive measures which are not visible until deployed. Commercial properties usually have more or larger openings that require defending, as well as a larger area. This usually costs more money, so we recommend, where possible, ways of limited damage if a flood occurs (such as raising electrics or stock).
• Will Flood Defence Items spoil the look of my house?
  Some flood defence options have the option to not be visible (such as repointing, water resistance plaster and spray to reduce seeping through the walls). But most flood defence products will require some type of fixing or installation point, such as sump pumps or barriers.. If visibility is of great importance to you there are passive flood defences options such as flood doors and airbricks that look almost identical to a regular door but with defences in their structure and mechanisms. It is important to consider the primary function of flood measures - to stop flooding, with their aesthetic appeal being lower on the list of priorities.
• Should I Choose BSi Kitemark Products Where Available?
  Absolutely! In the case of flood protection products, the Environment Agency recognises the value of BSI Kitemark certification. Following the terrible floods in late 2013 and early 2014 HM Government stated in their 2014 Flood Support Systems Guidance Note: “Where appropriate, all products should ideally carry the BSI Kitemark for flood protection products (PAS 1188) or similar standards”. This is because the Kitemark shows products have been tested to a rigorous and high standard.
• Does Having BSi Kitemark Products Installed Guarantee My Property From Flooding?
  The Kitemark is an accreditation given by a private organisation known as the British Standards Institute (BSI). The Kitemark accreditation does not guarantee the installation of the product. Products that carry the Kitemark still need to be installed correctly to stop the ingress of water. A Kitemark does, however, prove that a product has been rigorously tested to be ‘fit for purpose’. Unfortunately, whichever products are installed, we can’t guarantee your property from flooding (hence the terms mitigation and defence).
• What is Fluvial Flooding?
  Fluvial flooding occurs when rivers overflow and burst their banks, due to high or intense rainfall.
• What is Pluvial Flooding?
  Pluvial flooding, or surface water flooding, occurs when the drainage systems (mostly urban) become overwhelmed and the excess water cannot be absorbed.
• Can Flood Barriers or Reactive Products Be Left in Place?
  Most flood barriers are not designed to be left permanently in place as they can cause wear and tear (especially due to the external elements).
• Do My Flood Defence Products Need Maintenance?
  We recommend that as a minimum, any products should be inspected or serviced annually (with some products being tested). Also, following any flood event all products are thoroughly cleaned and inspected for damage.
• What is Passive vs Reactive?
  These terms refer to whether you need to physically deploy your flood defence measure before a flood event. Passive items work automatically. These measures include: Flood Doors (when the handle is lifted); Anti-Flood Airbricks (closes a valve); Sump Pumps (float switch); & Non-Return Valves. Reactive measures refer to items that do not work automatically. These include items such as the Toiler Bung; Flood Defence Barriers & Puddle Pumps. Passive measures are typically better, but generally cost more than their reactive measure counterparts, so homeowners may have to find a balance of budget vs the item they use to defend their property.
• Can sand bags stop flood water?
  No, they can't, & the industry needs to stop promoting & encouraging these items as defence. They provide barely any protection, are messy & are contaminated post-flood - making their disposal problematic for both the homeowner and local authority. Floodsax are a great alternative to sandbags, being reasonable priced & providing much more protection. However, installing proper properly level or community level defence is much better.
• Can I fit flood defence items myself?
  Yes you can, though some items are easier than others. Toilet bungs, some Non-Return Valves & FloodSax are quite easy for homeowners to deploy. Anti-flood airbricks, other Non-Return Valves are more difficult but still quite achievable for the competent DIY'er. Some defence measures do required a specialised & experienced tradesperson, such as Flood Defender Doors, Barriers & Sump Pumps.
• Can I stop my garden from flooding?
  Short answer, it depends. There are measures to mitigate the flooding, such as improving ground/soil drainage, installing soakaways, ensuring drains are kept clear & having sump pumps installed. However, if the flooding is quite serious, & the area surrounding your property is also flooding - or passing cars are causing tidal effects, only a form of Bung Wall and pump system will enable you to stop your garden from flooding. This can be quite expensive, & funds may be best spent letting the garden flood, but defend your property instead.
• Do the airbricks have a back or front?
  Yes. The front of the airbrick has the removable film covering, which also states 'Front' to avoid any confusion.
• Can Floodsax be reused?
  No, each Floodsax can only be used.
• Are Floodsax Biodegradable
  Floodsax are up to 90% Biodegradable, depending on the absorbed liquid.
• Can Floodsax absorb any liquid?
  Floodsax will absorb most liquids, oils & chemicals. The less viscous the liquid, the easier it will absorb. However, as there are so many different types of liquids, specific test will need to be done for the liquid which needs absorbing.
• How do you dispose of used Floodsax?
  If uncontaminated, Floodsax can be disposed of as general waste. If contaminated, you must check the local authorities guidelines.
• Are Floodsax better than sand bags?
  Floodsax is a superior form of flood defence compared to sand bags. From the amount of water resistance it provides, its lightweight slim design when unused, & non-messy application. The clean-up operation of mostly useless sandbags can be a significant undertaking.
• Do the Flood Defence Items Guarantee my property from flooding?
  Installing Flood Defence Items does not guarantee your property from flooding, hence the terminology Defence or Mitigation. It is important to note though, that the items listed are tested to stringent requirements, with most complying to BSI Kitemark regulations. As such, they can protect their dedicated point of entry if installed correctly. Water may still find an entry through a different section, exceed the height of current protection, or partially breach the existing protection.