Rainfall

Rainfall

Seasonal rainfall patterns will change. In South-East England winters are expected to be much wetter, but most summers much drier – perhaps one summer in 10 will have less than a quarter of the rainfall that would have been expected in the years between 1961 and 1990.

Winter rainfall is also likely to be more intense, with heavy driving rain likely to increase throughout the UK. Snow will disappear almost entirely. In summer, extreme rainfall will probably become a little less common and also much less strong.

Extreme rainfall puts great pressure on ground drainage and rainwater goods. It is important to keep drains meticulously maintained and to adapt them as necessary if the surrounding ground conditions change.

Regular inspection and maintenance allows problems such as broken gutters, slipped tiles, blocked drains to be discovered and fixed as soon as possible. Problems are often easier to spot during heavy rain.

A sound roof is fundamental to the conservation of traditional buildings and water tightness must be the first priority. In storm conditions many parts of a roof are susceptible to leaks that would not occur under more normal conditions.

Most buildings of traditional construction are able to readily absorb quite large quantities of water, which they release back into the atmosphere as vapour once the ambient humidity drop again. This is the essence of what is often referred to as breathable construction.
 

Back to top

 

Tell us about your home & customise this site

If you tell us where you live in England and when your house was constructed we can provide more specific information about the potential effects of climate change on your home. We can also provide you with more detailed information on how to save energy to reduce carbon emissions.

Start

Leave a Reply