Storm Season Preparation: Protecting Your Garden from the Elements
Expert advice and affordable products can help homeowners shield their gardens from wind, rain, and snow.
As autumn progresses, the UK's storm season officially arrives, bringing plunging temperatures, frequent downpours, and misty mornings. The Met Office defines the storm season as running from September 1 to August 31, typically experiencing between 10 and 20 storms. The most severe storms, often carrying amber and red warnings, usually occur between October and February, posing a risk of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snow to homes and gardens.
Homeowners are responsible for protecting their properties, particularly outdoor areas like lawns, fencing, sheds, and patio furniture, which are directly exposed to damage. Chris Moorehouse, Category Director at Wickes, offers expert advice on preparing gardens for potential stormy spells and recommends affordable products that can provide added security.
Fortifying Fences and Outdoor Structures
Strong winds and prolonged damp conditions can significantly damage garden fences, sheds, and other outdoor structures. Fences are particularly vulnerable, and replacing damaged panels or posts can be costly. Moorehouse advises checking fences for loose panels, weakened posts, and signs of rot before bad weather sets in. Securing any loose sections and repairing existing wear and tear can help these structures withstand strong gusts.
An affordable method to reinforce timber structures is using Wickes Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Cable Ties. These ties, priced at £6, can secure fence panels, gates, and posts, offering additional support during storms. They feature a self-locking mechanism for easy fitting without extra fasteners and have smooth edges for safer handling.
Preventing Gutter Blockages and Water Damage
Heavy rainfall can lead to water damage, especially when gutters become clogged with leaves, moss, and other debris. If rainwater cannot drain properly, it can overflow onto exterior walls and pool around the base of a property, causing further problems. Keeping gutters clear and functional ahead of storm season is a simple step to avoid preventable water damage.
An affordable preventative measure is installing a gutter protection system. The Wickes FloPlast FloGuard Leaf Protection System, costing £10.50, is designed to prevent debris from clogging gutters, thereby reducing the likelihood of overflow during heavy rainfall.
Checking Downpipes and Seals
Beyond gutters, downpipes should also be inspected for blockages, leaks, or loose fittings to ensure water is safely channeled away from the property. It is also important to inspect roof and gutter joints for cracks or deteriorating seals, as even small gaps can lead to water escaping where it shouldn't.
Moorehouse suggests that small, affordable fixes can make a difference. For instance, Wickes Roof and Gutter Sealant, priced at £3.30, offers a low-cost way to maintain watertight seals. Addressing minor maintenance issues before heavy rainfall arrives can help prevent avoidable water damage and reduce the need for more expensive repairs later on.