The combination of riverside proximity, period property basements prone to water entry, and issues like drain backups and surface water accumulation make flooding a pressing concern for residents in Teddington during winter months.

As recently as January 15 2025, a flood alert was set for Tidal Thames riverside from Putney Bridge to Teddington Weir.

Although thankfully this time it was only expected to affect low-lying roads and footpaths, the warning highlights the area's vulnerability.

During the winter floods of 2013-2014, approximately 1000 properties near the River Thames were flooded, with the total damages estimated to be between £1.3 billion.

It was identified from this flooding that when water levels above Teddington Weir are very high, the river can flow around existing tidal defences, potentially causing property flooding in locations such as Broom Road, Ferry Road and Manor Road.

Properties on Manor Road in Teddington could be at risk of flooding (Credit: Barnard Marcus)

Even when it's not severe, flooding can lead to significant property damage that may not be immediately apparent.

Water entry into a property can cause structural issues, damage to electrical systems, and longer-term problems such as mould and dampness.

These issues can affect the integrity of the building and lead to health concerns for the occupants if left unaddressed.

You can't forget about the financial burden of repairing flood damage either.

These can be smaller costs such as replacing flooring, to more extensive repairs like restoring foundations or rewiring. The costs can quickly add up.

 Even minor flooding can result in thousands of pounds of damages, highlighting the importance of having protection in place, and a comprehensive insurance policy that can provide financial support in such situations.

So, what can you do to protect your property?

Coversure Teddington has provided a list of ways to do this:

1.     Maintain Drainage Systems

Regularly cleaning gutters, downspouts and drains ensures they are free from debris meaning excess water can flow out of the area effectively.

2.     Check Basement Sealant

If you own a period property equipped with a basement, you might want to check the sealant around any ground-level windows, doors and any small openings to ensure they are properly sealed to prevent minor water intake during heavy rains.

3.     Monitor Weather Warnings

Stay updated with local weather reports and flood alerts during heavy rains or storms. It's easy to be caught off guard by sudden downfalls.

The Importance of Proper Insurance Coverage

While preventative measures are crucial, they cannot eliminate the risk of flooding entirely.

 Having comprehensive property insurance that includes flood coverage is essential for property owners in high-risk areas like Teddington.

Standard home insurance policies may not cover flood damage, so it's vital to review your policy and consider additional flood insurance if necessary.

Coversure Teddington has experience assisting residents in navigating the complexities of flood insurance, ensuring they have the appropriate level of coverage, tailored to their requirements.

Coversure is an independent insurance broker based on Stanley Road in Teddington (Credit: Coversure)

It's all about having the right level of cover in place, just in case.

Mel Franke and the team at Coversure Teddington are happy to answer any questions you may have about your property insurance, flood coverage and general insurance queries.

Call 0208 131 4677 to speak to one of the team.

Coversure is one of our lovely sponsors.

Without their community-minded sponsorship, we wouldn't be able to bring you local news free from overly-intrusive ads, pop-ups and clickbait.