2024-08-07 06:30:01
Homeowners are increasingly concerned about the impact of drought on their homes. 61% of them have already noticed drought-related damage to their homes (cracks, pipes, etc.), according to a study by Opinion Way for HomeServe.
Climate change has very real impacts for most French people. And when they also own their own home, the issue becomes even more pressing for their wallets. Faced with the risk of damage, more than one in two homeowners say they are ready to move to a region less exposed to climate change. And already one in three professionals believe that these disruptions have an impact on their plumbing or electrical business. Here are the key findings from a study commissioned by HomeServehome repair and energy performance specialist, at Opinion Way.
Among the climatic events that weaken the homes of the French, drought is the greatest source of concern for the French (64%). 22% of respondents even say they are very worried. Floods come in second place on the podium. They are a source of stress for 49% of respondents, ahead of the consequences of frost (38%).
Drought, RGA and cracks
Drought has been wreaking havoc on homes for several years. The most significant phenomenon is the shrinkage-swelling of clays (RGA). A phenomenon, “directly linked to weather conditions and in particular to the lack of precipitation”underlines the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM). “This is a variation in the volume of the land, following a change in its water content.”explains the BRGM. They are “ retract » during periods of drought (shrinkage phenomenon) and swell when the rains return (swelling phenomenon). This phenomenon creates fissures and weakens buildings and houses.
While cracks are the identifiable damage, some devastating consequences are invisible. According to the HomeServe study, conducted on a sample of 1,179 homeowners, representative of the French population aged 18 and over, 61% of homeowners have noticed at least one damage that could be linked to drought on their home. Among them, 45% have noticed cracks in their facade or a subsidence of their house, 34% more regularly blocked pipes and 31% more frequent water leaks. In addition, 42% of the owners concerned report a weakening of outdoor equipment.
Professionals confirm an increase in interventions
In addition to homeowners, the study surveyed a representative sample of 105 professionals (plumbers and electricians) from HomeServe’s approved network by email. More than a third of them said that alternating periods of flooding and drought had changed the type of plumbing and electrical work they did in private homes.
The phenomenon of shrinkage-swelling of clay soils as well as tree roots seeking to feed on water cause ground movements and leaks in buried pipes, the study recalls. Thus, professionals highlight a 66% increase in repairs on private buried pipes and a 14% increase in electrical breakdowns. This complicates the work of professionals, requires an adaptation of tools, lengthens the time and therefore the cost of the intervention. 88% say they have had to review their operations to be able to adapt to these new challenges”confirms the study.
Faced with these events, the majority of French people feel helpless. Only 19% try to anticipate the problem. 47% of those surveyed prefer to opt for ignorance and only deal with it when the time comes. Finally, 4% of those surveyed say they do not believe in the risks of drought on their home.
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