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…or blow your house down. What we can do now
Existing buildings New build Annual cost of no action
Roofs Replace loose tiles Choose fixings for 5-10% higher wind loads Gales, £1-2bn Fixings, £2.5-7bn
Windows Maintain well and use good-quality replacements Choose materials with good ultraviolet resistance and watertightness PVCu replacements, £2.4bn
Masonry Render if suffering from rain penetration Use good building practice for lightweight blockwork to avoid cracking –
Concrete Inspect regularly for corrosion of reinforcement Choose formulation and reinforcement on the assumption of higher rainfall and CO2 –
Driving rain Render if needed Design for higher levels of exposure –
Foundations Underpin or repair subsidence Increase foundation depth on susceptible clay soils by 0.5 m £200-400³¾
Flooding Improve defences if possible, review consequences Avoid flood plains if possible. Raise floor levels, avoid underfloor wiring £200³¾
Coastal erosion Manage retreat if possible. Do not build on vulnerable areas £10-30bn of risk (not annual)
Water Recycle used water or collect rainwater for gardens Consider water resources when planning new developments –
Ventilation Raise temperature to dispel damp Plan for good natural ventilation, especially in the south in autumn. Consider mechanical ventilation only as last resort –
Heating/Cooling If necessary, use some of anticipated
12-19% saving in heating energy
to improve comfort and reduce damp		 Design new buildings to minimise air-conditioning –
Regulations Take climate change predictions into account when revising codes. Always build to better than minimum standards