Storms in Ireland are becoming more frequent and more severe.
After Storm Chandra, many homes in Wicklow, Dublin and surrounding areas experienced flooding and water ingress.
Unfortunately, these storms are not the last.
That’s why it’s important to know how to act immediately after flooding and how to prepare your home in advance to avoid serious repair costs in the future.
What to do immediately after flooding
If water enters your home, time is critical.
Standing water should be removed as quickly as possible.
Even a small amount of water can soak into floors, skirting boards and the lower sections of walls.
It is risky to wait and hope it will “dry on its own”, because:
- moisture can remain trapped under floors and behind walls
- mould can start developing within a few days
- timber and MDF elements can swell and deform
Early signs of hidden moisture include:
- damp or musty smell
- soft, swollen or uneven flooring
- skirting boards starting to pull away from the wall
- doors beginning to stick or not closing properly
Early inspection often helps prevent much more serious problems later.
Typical damage after storms
In practice, the most common issues include:
Floors and laminate — water trapped beneath the surface causes swelling and movement.
Skirting boards and lower wall areas — these absorb moisture first and often hide mould.
Doors and door frames — moisture causes swelling and misalignment.
Furniture and wooden panels — often swell and may later need partial or full replacement.
Damp smell and mould risk — even when surfaces appear dry.
In many cases this is not a major renovation, but action must be taken correctly and on time.
How to prepare your home for the next storm
Preparing for a storm often does not require large investments and depends on the location and flood risk of your area.
In most cases, simple and practical steps are enough.
Recommended actions:
- check gutters, downpipes and drainage
(remove leaves and debris and ensure water flows away from the house) - inspect floor-level areas, thresholds and entrances
especially back doors, garden doors and garage entrances - check the condition of door and window seals
replace worn or damaged seals where necessary - seal weak points
cracks, joints and gaps around pipes and cables - inspect the lower sections of external walls
look for cracks, damaged render or open joints - protect potential water entry points
doors, gates and openings can be temporarily protected
using flood barriers or sandbags - make sure drainage around the house works properly
and water does not collect near the foundation
Small preventative works before a storm are almost always far cheaper than repairs after flooding.
How HANDY ONE can help
HANDY ONE provides practical assistance before and after storms:
✔ post-storm property inspections
✔ assistance with water removal
✔ moisture checks and mould-prevention advice
✔ repairs to floors, skirting boards and doors
✔ preparing homes for future storms and heavy rain
We work quickly, practically and without unnecessary work.
Final thoughts
The difference between a minor issue and serious damage is speed of response and taking the right actions.
📩 Contact HANDY ONE to receive a free post-storm checklist and advice tailored to your property.
