The weather plays a huge part in the durability and longevity of you home, as certain types of land need specific conditions to maintain it's optimal condition.
While drought and heavy rainfall are often seen as separate issues, they are closely linked when it comes to protecting the longevity of your property. The transition from a period of drought to heavy rainfall can make the ground impermeable and therefore lead to issues with flooding and lack of drainage.
The UK’s climate, with its increasingly erratic weather patterns, means that homeowners are more likely to experience the effects of these extreme shifts in conditions. In recent years, summers are hotter and drier and winters are wetter.
What Happens To The Ground During Dry Periods?
When temperatures are high and weather is dry, soil can become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. This is due to a combination of factors, including:
- Surface Tension: The surface tension of water can create a barrier, making it difficult for water to penetrate the dry soil.
- Air Pockets: Dry soil often has large air-filled pores, and the trapped air can prevent water from entering.
- Hydrophobic Substances: Waxes, plant residues, and even some bacteria in the soil can create a water-repellent surface layer.
What Happens When These Dry Spells Are Followed By Heavy Rainfall?
When periods of drought end and heavy rainfall follows, the ground is no longer in a condition to absorb the large volume of water and as a result, flooding can occur. This can lead to several further problems:
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Death of Plants: In severe cases, waterlogging can kill plants, especially those not adapted to wet conditions.
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Damage to Paved Areas: Standing water can erode or damage patios, walkways, and other paved outdoor areas.
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Potential for Structural Damage: Prolonged flooding can affect the stability of fences, sheds, and other structures.
5 Ways To Help Prevent This From Happening To You.
- Having Clear Gutters and Drains: Regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts ensures they can effectively carry water away from your house and garden.
- Check for Blockages: Ensuring downpipes are clear, keeps water flowing freely.
- Use Water Butts: Collecting rainwater in water butts reduces runoff and provides a water source for your garden.
- Use Permeable Surfaces: Choosing paving and other surfaces that allow water to drain through them instead of running off.
- Maintain a Healthy and Level Lawn: A healthy lawn gives water a better chance of penetrating, re-seeding bare patches can help to avoid soil being compacted.
