How to prepare your home for winter
Damage to your property can be a real drain on your bank balance, and a difficult situation to handle. Knowing a few small things you can do around the home could be key to avoiding expensive situations if your home is hit by bad weather or flooding.
From big jobs to quick fixes, here’s how to look after your home through the winter months.
Go to: Water pipes · Radiators · Electrical devices · Boiler · Loft · Windows · Doors · Chimney · Garage · Roof · Garden · Gutters
Water pipes
To limit the risk of freezing during the colder months, make sure pipes and water tanks are properly insulated. Check taps and put washers on any that appear to be dripping – they could freeze and block the pipe when the cold hits!
Radiators
If you’re going away, keep central heating at a low but consistent temperature. This prevents water in pipes dropping to a freezing temperature and expanding, which causes damage and leaks.
Electrical devices
If your home floods, your electrical devices could be at risk. Raising the height of plug sockets and storing valuables on shelves can limit damage in the event of flooding.
Boiler
Get your boiler serviced by a professional before the cold hits. You could also consider getting boiler cover in case of any breakdowns.
Loft
Insulate your loft. When temperatures fall, this will help to stop heat escaping from the top of your home.
Windows
During stormy weather, close the curtains just in case windows get broken. It’ll also help to keep the heat in, so your home stays nice and warm.
Doors
Installing door guards will prevent dirty floodwater from entering your home and damaging your belongings if waters rise.
Chimney
Have your chimney swept – sooty chimneys pose a greater fire risk. And consider having your chimney surveyed, which could prevent parts coming loose and causing damage elsewhere.
Garage
Important plumbing and heating can often be found in garages – and they’re usually pretty cold! If you’re going away, turn off the inside stop tap and drain the system so the pipes don’t freeze.
Roof
Check for any missing or damaged tiles and replace where necessary – water damage can spread far and wide, so it’s important to prevent rain getting in. And make sure you check that loose tiles and satellites are secure, so they won’t fall off.
Garden
Try to secure any garden furniture or fences to protect them against strong winds. It’s also a good idea to make sure your garden shed is watertight in case there’s a heavy downpour.
Gutters
Clear out your gutters and drains, removing any leaves, dirt and debris. This helps water drain freely.
Home insurance from Uinsure
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This article is intended for information purposes only and is accurate at the time of publication. It’s always advisable to verify any information you take before relying on it.
We now partner with Uinsure to provide you with home insurance. Uinsure use modern technology to get you an on-line quote in as little as 30 seconds, meaning you have more time to focus on what’s important.. They work with leading home insurance providers to protect your home and its contents, replacing new for old if your belongings get damaged, lost or stolen.