Windy weather: how it impacts homes in the UK

As we transition from the (somewhat) warm and sunny days of summer for the colder, blustery winter period, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our homes from the wind. Did you know that during Storm Eunice in February 2022, it was estimated that there was £369 million worth of property damage caused primarily by high winds? That really shows how important it is to wind-proof your home.

UK building regulations require houses to be able to withstand winds of at least 85mph, speeds that are only reached approximately once every 50 years so major structural damage to the average person’s home is unlikely. However, objects close to your home such as trees do pose the risk of structural damage due to them being blown over. Aside from structural damage, the national weather service states that wind speeds of just 47-54mph can cause exterior damage to houses, breaking television antennas and blowing off roofing tiles.

To keep your home safe, here are a few things you can do:
– Fix and reinforce fences (they’re often not covered by home insurance and can easily turn into flying debris).
– Check and repair your roof so you don’t end up with loose tiles flying off.
– Make sure chimney pots are secure.
– Regularly prune and remove dead branches from nearby trees.
– Secure loose objects in your garden, particularly trampolines which are infamous for taking to the skies during stormy weather
– Lock up all windows and doors.
– Park your car in the garage or somewhere safe away from trees or anything that could fall on it.

With climate change making extreme weather more common, it’s a good idea to act now to prevent wind damage in the future. If your property unfortunately sustains damage during high winds, Structural engineers Reports is always on hand to provide guidance on the structural integrity of your property.