As the UK recovers from Storm Darragh, many households are left with damaged fences, garden furniture and a growing fear of flooding. With outdoor spaces suffering the consequences of extreme weather, home improvement company Wickes has reported a significant spike in sales as homeowners rush to repair and protect their properties.
Chris Moorhouse, Category Director for Garden, Décor, Timber & Hardware and Building & Tools at Wickes, shares advice for those dealing with storm damage: “In the event that a fence has been damaged or fallen during a storm, there are several steps that you can take to assess the damage and see if the fence can be repaired. First, take a look over the fence and remove any loose nails or panels that have been damaged or show signs of rot. Lay the fence down and ensure it is not leaning against anything where it can cause further damage. If the damage is too great, it may be more cost effective to replace the fence in its entirety. However, if there are a few panels to be repaired these can simply be replaced with like for like panels.”
Wickes has seen a staggering +373% increase in the volume of fence panels sold compared to last year, with sales of fence posts rising +250% and gates by +20%, driven by the need for storm-related repairs. Additionally, stats show there has been an increase in sales from DIY customers, suggesting that these are emergency repairs customers are doing themselves out of urgency, rather than hiring a tradesperson to do the job.
As the UK continues to experience severe weather, Chris also offers tips for protecting homes against flooding: “If your home has a basement, you live in a basement flat, or near vessels of water, the risk of flooding can also cause concern for your home. To help minimise damage if flooding occurs, it’s a good idea to store personal possessions further into the home or on another level if possible. Sandbags can also provide a barrier to flood waters by absorbing up to 20 litres of fluid and then working to resist further water from passing through into the home.”
In response to growing concerns, Wickes has experienced a +127% surge in sales of heavy-duty flood defences, showcasing an increase in preparation for future extreme weather.
