Heavy rain, high winds, ice and snow all take their toll on buildings. For blocks of flats, the consequences affect multiple residents and stakeholders. Damage to gardens, car parks, pathways, roofs or communal equipment affect safety, access, appearance and long-term maintenance costs.
A good plan for protecting shared outdoor spaces helps reduce risk, limits disruption and keeps insurance cover strong. For Residents’ Management Companies, freeholders and managing agents, understanding how storms affect outdoor areas and how to safeguard them is essential.
How Storms Affect Shared Outdoor Areas
Storms can damage a building in many different ways. High winds may loosen tiles, blow down fences, lift decking, or send unsecured items across car parks. Strong gusts can also bring down trees or break large branches, blocking pathways or hitting parked cars. This type of damage is expensive and dangerous and could lead to claims of negligence if it could have been prevented.
Heavy rain brings its own problems. Poor drainage can cause water to pool in courtyards or car parks, leading to damp, moss growth, slip hazards and longer-term surface wear. Raised flowerbeds and planter areas can overflow and push soil onto pathways, creating mess and blocking drains. Flooding can also seep into bin stores and plant rooms, affecting electrics and making the area unsafe.
Snow and ice, although less common, pose considerable risk. Frozen surfaces can cause falls, while heavy snow loads can damage roofs, canopies and balcony structures. After the snow melts, excess water may find weak spots and enter the fabric of the building.
Because outdoor areas are shared spaces, damage affects everyone. A fallen tree, a broken gate or a flooded car park can disrupt daily life and raise service-charge costs. For these reasons, storm planning is essential.
Safeguarding Outdoor Assets Before a Storm
Good preparation is the best defence. Many common issues can be prevented by simple checks throughout the year – especially before the storm-heavy autumn and winter months.
A key element of preparation is making sure drains and gutters are clear. When leaves and debris build up, water has nowhere to go, so it pools on roofs or runs down walls. By clearing drains, checking guttering and testing downpipes, you reduce the chance of leaks and outdoor flooding.
Inspecting fences, gates, signage and light posts also helps. Loose fixtures can break away in high winds, so they should be repaired or secured. The same applies to outdoor furniture and bins. If items can be blown around, they can cause damage. Heavy items should be fixed in place or moved to sheltered areas before a storm.
Trees and shrubs need routine care too. Overgrown branches can snap under pressure, regular pruning helps keep them safe and healthy. Tree roots can also affect drainage and cause cracks in paved areas, so they should be checked as part of your annual maintenance plan.
Car parks and lighting are another priority. Surface cracks, loose stones or worn line markings become bigger problems during a storm. Good upkeep means fewer potholes, better drainage and safer access for residents and visitors. Storms can affect visibility and raise the risk of accidents. Ensuring the functionality of outdoor lights help guide people safely through shared areas during bad weather.
After a Storm: Damage Checks and Repairs
After severe weather, outdoor areas should be inspected as soon as it is safe. Look for loose roof tiles, fallen branches, damaged fencing, blocked drains and any changes to pathways or car-park surfaces. Even small issues matter. A cracked drain cover or a loose handrail can quickly become a hazard.
Water damage should be checked carefully. Standing water around entrances, lift lobbies or bin stores can cause mould and structural concerns. It is also important to test lighting and electrics, as water may have entered fittings or underground cabling.
All findings should be logged, photographed and reported. Clear records help with planning repairs and support any insurance claims the block may need to make, as well as proving due diligence.
Insurance: Making Sure Shared Spaces Are Protected
Storm damage is normally covered by a block insurance policy, but only if the policy reflects the real assets of the building and its grounds. Outdoor areas are often overlooked when policies are set up, which can lead to gaps in cover.
Managing agents and RMCs should make sure the policy includes:
- Fencing, walls and gates
- Car-park surfaces
- Lighting columns
- Shared garden structures
- Bike and bin stores
- Canopies and shelters
- Roof areas and communal terraces
If any of these assets are missing from the insured schedule, the block may not receive full compensation after a storm.
It is also important to meet your policy conditions. Many insurers expect evidence of routine maintenance (especially for gutters, drainage, trees and roofs). If checks have not been carried out, a claim may be challenged or reduced. Keeping logs, receipts and inspection notes helps demonstrate that managers have taken reasonable care.
Storm-related claims often increase during harsh winters, so blocks that show good risk management are more likely to receive stable premiums at renewal.
Helping Residents Stay Safe
Residents also play a part in keeping shared outdoor spaces safe. They should know not to leave loose items on balconies, as these can blow into shared areas. They should avoid placing rubbish outside bins and should report hazards such as leaning trees or blocked drains. A simple message or notice before forecast storms can help everyone prepare, especially during high-risk months.
Conclusion
Storms are now a regular challenge for blocks of flats, and outdoor spaces are often the first areas to show the impact. By planning ahead, keeping shared areas well maintained and ensuring insurance cover is complete, you can reduce damage and disruption.
