Storms ahead | Features

Winds of change: What the construction industry can do now
	Existing	New build	Annual cost of no action
Roofs	Replace loose tiles	Choose fixings for 5-10% higher wind loads	Gales: £1-2bn; fixings: £2.5-2.7bn
Windows	Maintain well, use good-quality replacements	Choose materials with good UV resistance and water tightness	Not specifying PVCu windows, £2.4bn
Masonry	Render if suffering from rain penetration	Use good building practice for lightweight blockwork to avoid cracking	–
Concrete	Inspect regularly for corrosion of reinforcement	Choose formulation and reinforcement assuming higher rainfall and CO₂	–
Driving rain	Render if needed	Design for higher levels of climactic exposure	–
Foundations	Underpin or repair subsidence damage	Increase foundation depth on susceptible clay soils by 0.5 m	£200-400m
Flooding	Improve defences if possible, review consequences	Avoid floodplains if possible. Raise floor levels, avoid underfloor wiring	£200m
Coastal erosion	Manage retreat if possible	Do not build on vulnerable areas	£10-30bn of risk (not annual)
Water	Recycle used water or collect rainwater for gardens	Consider water resources when planning developments. Water companies to plan for climate change in southern England	–
Ventilation	Raise temperature to dispel damp	Plan for good natural ventilation where air pollution and personal security allows, especially in the south in autumn. Consider mechanical ventilation only as last resort	–
Heating/cooling	If necessary, use some of the anticipated 12-19% saving in heating energy to improve comfort and reduce damp	Design new buildings to minimise the need for air-conditioning	–