The frequency of intense heatwaves, rainstorms, strong winds, and flooding is growing due to climate change, raising concerns not only among homeowners but also among governments.
One term comes up regularly: resilience, not only of public infrastructure, but also of residential buildings.
The idea here isn’t necessarily to impose a single, universal set of improvements for all properties over the next few years. Nevertheless, certain types of renovations may become increasingly indispensable, especially in areas particularly vulnerable to climate-related risk.
Improving Rainwater Management
The runoff from severe rainstorms can quickly overwhelm the sewer system and cause water to pool in yards. Given this, some homeowners may need to find more effective ways to manage rainwater on their own property.
This could involve, for example:
- better-designed gutters and downpipes;
- permeable surfaces that allow water to soak into the ground;
- rain gardens and green spaces;
- landscaping features that promote water absorption;
- more efficient ground sloping to divert water away from the foundation.
The principle is simple: instead of letting all the water drain away as quickly as possible, the aim is to capture it and let some of it seep into the soil.
Better Protecting Basements
Basements are particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall. Check valves, reliable sump pumps, and proper drainage systems could thus become increasingly crucial home components.
In high-risk areas, authorities may impose tighter building regulations during significant remodeling or new construction, such as installing panels made of highly waterproof materials.
For homeowners, maintaining this equipment is, in fact, just as important as having it in the first place. A sump pump that fails to work just when it’s most needed obviously offers very limited protection.
Heatwave Proofing Homes
And resilience isn’t limited to water.
Heat also is a major concern for homes, as intense and prolonged heatwaves can:
- accelerate the deterioration of certain materials;
- contribute to humidity and condensation problems;
- make the inside of the house unbearable.
There are several measures that can help tackle these problems. These include improving insulation, installing more energy-efficient windows, adding outdoor sunshades, ensuring effective natural or mechanical ventilation, planting trees strategically around the house, and reducing the size of concrete or asphalt surfaces on the property.
Enhancing Wind and Storm Protection
Intense windstorms can cause serious damage to certain of a building’s components: the roof, the exterior cladding, the windows, etc.
Over the coming years, building codes could gradually integrate stricter standards regarding certain components’ wind resistance. In the case of existing homes, reinforcement work may become more common, notably during major renovations.
This might specifically concern:
- the strength and secure fixing of the roof;
- certain parts of the external cladding;
- sturdier doors and windows;
- equipment protection (garden shed, pergola, etc.).
The point isn’t to turn every house into a fortress, but rather to address vulnerable areas that could suffer significant damage during an extreme weather event.
Preventing, not Repairing
One of the most significant changes could ultimately be how we approach renovations.
Instead of waiting for a water leak, excessive overheating, or storm winds to damage a house, we might seek to reduce the risks beforehand.
Homeowners can use the opportunity of needed repairs to improve their property’s resilience. For example:
- Replacing the roof may be a good time to add insulation.
- Foundation work may provide a chance to address specific drainage issues.
- Installing new windows can boost both the home’s energy-efficiency and comfort level during heatwaves.
- Whether it’s the back, side, or front yards, refreshing the landscaping can include introducing more permeable surfaces and vegetation.
Crafting Building Regulations According to Region
It would be difficult to draw up a blanket list of necessary or even mandatory renovations applicable to all housing. Risks vary from place to place.
A property in a flood-prone zone doesn’t have the same needs as a house that is primarily exposed to heat or wind. Therefore, building codes in the future may better reflect regional characteristics and hazards.
This also means that homeowners would do well to find out about their area’s unique vulnerabilities before buying.
A New Way of Thinking About a Home’s Value
Indeed, resilience could gradually become just as important a criterion for buyers as energy efficiency or the quality of materials.
A house that is better able to withstand heavy rain, extreme heat, and severe weather events could provide greater comfort and require fewer costly repairs in the long run.