There are multiple ways in which climate change is set to affect us in our homes. From record-breaking temperatures to the structural integrity of our properties, climate change has never posed as much of a threat as it does today.
According to Fidelity Singapore, the continuing growth of greenhouse gas emissions, if they were to carry on at today’s rate, will lead to additional global warming of around 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, which is in just 26 years time.
Mongabay also reports that, by that time, 1.2 billion of us would have moved away from our homes, seeking colder climates. With NASA claiming that the effects of climate change are irreversible for people today, there are some things you can do now that will help to prepare your home for the future.
From undertaking subsidence-preventative measures early to harvesting rainwater and replacing electrical sockets throughout your home or commercial premises, here’s how you can prepare your home for climate change:
According to Aspray, climate change is set to affect soil moisture which, in turn, will cause the soil to shrink and swell as it becomes wet and then dries out again. This will mainly come as a result of drastic, constant changes in temperatures, such as hot days and cold, wet nights.
This then provides the perfect conditions for subsidence to occur. In addition, Construction Management reports that subsidence risks are increasing as a result of climate change, with a further increase expected as the years go on, claims the British Geological Survey.
The same source states that climate change is likely to drive an increase in subsidence cases in the UK over the next 50 years, so why not get ahead of the game and consider having work done on your building foundations so as to prepare for subsidence-related issues in the future.
That’s something we can do here at Geobear. We are able to provide a wealth of ground support solutions to both residential and commercial properties. If you’d like to enquire about future-proofing your home when it comes to subsidence, one of our friendly, knowledgeable team will be on hand to help you, just get in touch at a time to suit you.
Covering your roofs in greenery, foliage and shrubbery is a new, trendy and sustainable way of softening up your outdoor areas. In addition, it can also reduce heat penetration which will cut the risk of your home or commercial property overheating. This will help dramatically as we start to experience hotter summers.
There are many more benefits to be had by installing a green roof, aside from bringing down internal temperatures and softening the look of your garden. Those advantages also include reducing flood risks because rain will be absorbed by these additional plants, therefore preventing runoff.
If the plants are taking up additional moisture, it helps to reduce the risk of subsidence, because the water is being used by the plants as opposed to running off the roof and seeping into the ground beneath. Finally, green roofs provide a habitat for insects and wildlife, therefore boosting biodiversity.
You might have heard of solar power, but solar shading is something entirely different. Rather than being designed to generate energy to power our homes and keep us warm, solar shading measures do the opposite. They will help us to keep cool as temperatures rise.
Solar shading is made up of different measures, with the sole aim of cooling the home down. Some of the things you can do to ensure solar shading, which are basically measures that are put in place to stop the sun from coming in through windows and doors, are as follows:
Wooden frames are just that; wooden. Wood is susceptible to expansion and contraction as the weather changes, therefore increasing the chances of your home being too hot during the summer months and too cold during the winter. You should look to replace your wooden doors and windows with UPVC alternatives.
These will be far more insulative and will not expand or contract with the changing temperatures, as wooden windows and doors would. If, however, you cannot financially fund the replacement of your wooden windows and doors, you can treat your wooden frames with stains and preservatives.
Climate change poses an increased risk of flooding, and no part of the UK will be exempt from that. Lawns are an effective, natural way of reducing flood risk because the water will be absorbed rather than being allowed to sit on top of paving or concrete structures. By replacing concrete slabs and solid surfaces with grass, you’ll be helping to reduce the risk of flooding around your home.
When it comes to driveways and patios, if you’d rather have that instead of lawn, then use permeable materials, such as gravel, in order to let the water seep through and drain away more easily. In addition, the lawn will help to break up and soften the look of your outdoor space. As well as this, it also reduces the risk of harm should someone trip or fall.
Harvesting the rainwater rather than allowing it to pour onto your garden and other outdoor areas is a great way of preventing the risk of flooding. According to Oxfam, climate change will result in more intense rainfall which, in turn, increases the risk of flooding.
This is because, as the planet becomes warmer, it allows the air to hold an increased amount of moisture, which has to be expelled more often and in much larger amounts. By harvesting it, you’re preventing excess moisture from flooding your property whilst also being sustainable at the same time.
Use the rainwater you collect to water your plants rather than using water from the tap.You’ll be able to buy water butts from DIY and hardware stores, but for a more low-budget alternative, you can simply leave buckets or watering cans out in the rain.
Move your electrical sockets further up the wall to a place where they won’t be affected should a flood occur. Electrical sockets in the UK sit low down on internal walls, so move them up slightly, along with their electrical cables, to stop them becoming affected by flood water, should the worst happen. Make sure, however, that you’re using a qualified and certified electrician to do this for you. Never attempt this yourself.
Geobear is pleased to offer long-lasting, effective subsidence solutions, such as underpinning, to clients who are looking to restore full strength and stability to the foundations that either your residential property or commercial premises sits upon. We are also able to offer additional ground stabilising services as well as subsidence surveys. If you would like further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team – we’re always happy to hear from you.
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We deliver projects on any sort of building or structure – from conservatory extension problems to 80,000m2 warehouses and road infrastructure. In most cases we will have the best solution, so get in touch today.