After Ophelia, homeowners need to make properties storm safe...

OPHELIA certainly succeeded in creating lots of anxiety among property owners recently as hurricane winds swept across the country causing widespread damage. Storms are now becoming a worrying weather trend and certainly in the last five years or so at least one bad storm per season has left its mark.

Even more worrying is the fact experts predict an increase in ‘unusual’ weather patterns and it’s not far-fetched to suggest property owners need to react to this phenomena in terms of protecting their precious abodes.

Ophelia’s gusts lifted tiles and slates from roofs while ancillary buildings such as sheds and conservatories also sustained severe destruction in the storm. Falling trees and heavy rains are an additional menace that homeowners must contend with. With all that in mind has the time arrived for us to start preparing our properties? Do we now need to implement strict planning conditions pertaining to storms?

In response to the first question, given the propensity of storms in recent years - and the likely increases in insurance premiums as a result - property owners should start factoring in preparatory works for future weather disasters. Reinforcing roofs, windows and porches are some of the ways to feel more secure in the height of a storm. Likewise, if drainage is an issue on your property then use next summer to remedy the problem. In short, any type of structural improvement you think is necessary should be done immediately as all homeowners are by now well aware of potential weak spots in their property.

In relation to the second point, local authorities may have to consider making weather (assuming they haven’t already done so) part of the planning process. Not to grant planning for dwellings on exposed cliff faces, for example, or in areas where there are a high concentration of nearby trees may sound draconian but this is the kind of dilemma people now face. Also, low profile houses are less vulnerable than two-storey houses so maybe in exposed areas the preference should be for the former. Using such a simple thing as soffit vents in the construction of a roof will minimize wind penetration and any architect will be glad to discuss ways in which you can design your home with storm protection in mind.

People need to be practical when arranging the layout of a property: for example, don’t plant trees close to your home. If mature trees are already near your home then consider having them cut down to a safe size by a tree surgeon. Also, don’t position things like conservatories or porches in wind traps. These might all sound like simple generalities once the storm has passed but you can be sure more hurricane and storm force winds are on the way this winter.

We can’t always predict the damage a storm will cause but we can prepare our properties, especially in areas prone to storms which pretty much feels like everywhere these days.