High levels of rainfall causing problems in the UK
When firms and individuals are designing and constructing buildings, it is crucial that they consider the issue of water drainage.
Even under normal circumstances, effective drainage solutions are hugely important, but when there is an excess of rainfall, they become even more vital.
It seems as though top quality drainage products may be in high demand over coming months and years in the UK. Many parts of the country flooded last year and the Daily Telegraph recently noted that rockfalls and landslips are on the rise.
The publication pointed to official figures that suggest almost three times the average number of these events were reported in the past year, Experts note this is due to the high level of rainfall that has “swept the country since last summer”.
According to the British Geological Survey (BGS), there were 165 landslides reported during 2012, which is nearly three times the average annual rate of 62. Meanwhile, since the start of 2013, there have already been more than 60 such events.
Catherine Pennington from the BGS’ landslide team said: “When you have a lot of rain you often get a quick response with a small land slide and then as the water seeps through the landslide will reactivate.”
She added: “All of the records we have are recorded because they have had an impact on people’s lives in some way by blocking roads or happening near their homes. It is very likely that the actual number will be far higher as they have gone undetected, particularly on the coastline, where the cliff faces are continuously on the move. When there is more rain going into the system like we have had recently they have triggered more movement.”
People may not be able to influence the weather, but they can help to protect their buildings from the ill-effects of too much rain by using effective drainage solutions.
