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Writer's pictureSam Ronnie Reinelt

Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather




As winter approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your home is ready to withstand the colder months. We’ve put together a checklist of key things you can do to help protect your property from winter-related damage and keep your insurance valid.


  1. Garden and Exterior Preparation

  • Secure loose garden items and trim trees to prevent damage from storms.

  • Inspect roof tiles, fences, outbuildings, bricks, and mortar for potential issues.

  • Clean gutters to prevent blockages and water damage.

  • Check aerials, satellite dishes, and solar panels for stability.

  1. Emergency Readiness

  • Assemble an emergency kit containing important documents, a torch, spare batteries, and a first aid kit.

  • Regularly check your boiler and consider adding Home Emergency cover to your home insurance for extra protection.

  1. Insulation and Heating Efficiency

  • Properly insulate your attic, walls, and water tank to save energy and prevent heat loss.

  • Use draught excluders for windows and doors and lag your pipes.

  • Upgrade to a smart thermostat for more efficient heating.

  • Bleed radiators to improve efficiency and avoid frozen pipes.

  1. Frozen Pipe Prevention

  • Locate and know how to use your stop valve.

  • Insulate pipes and fix any drips or leaks to reduce the risk of freezing.

  • If you’re going away, drain systems during winter to prevent freezing.

  • Insulate water supply pipes, especially in lofts or exterior walls.

  1. Dealing with Frozen or Burst Pipes

  • If boiler pipes freeze, use a hot water bottle or warm water to defrost the condensate pipe.

  • Turn off the water and central heating if pipes burst and drain the system to prevent further damage.

  • Thaw frozen sections gently and turn off electricity if electrical sockets are affected.

  1. Insurance Considerations

  • Check if your buildings insurance includes trace and access cover for locating and repairing leaks.

  • Review your home insurance documents to understand coverage and policy excess.

  • Report any incidents promptly and provide all necessary details during the claim process.

  1. Additional Home Maintenance Tips

  • Inspect your roof for loose or damaged tiles, especially after summer.

  • Clear gutters and downpipes regularly to avoid water ingress.

  • Address trip hazards in outdoor areas like driveways and garden paths.

  • Secure garden furniture and trim tree branches prone to storm damage.

  • Ensure your central heating system is serviced annually, preferably before winter.


Conclusion

Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related damage to your home, ensuring a safer and more comfortable season. Additionally, maintaining your property can help keep your home insurance valid and avoid unexpected costs. Remember, prevention is key, and a little preparation goes a long way in safeguarding your home against the challenges of winter weather. For more information and advice call us on 01702 746811 or complete our contact us form here

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