With news that the upcoming winter will potentially be the worst seen in the UK for 30 years, protecting your home and luxuries have never been more crucial.
Despite winter damage being often unavoidable, there are several precautions you can take in order to protect your home from any potential risks caused by the troublesome weather.
From protecting pipes from freezing and bursting to ensure insulation and safeguarding against potential flooding, we have listed the main elements you need to consider before the weather worsens in your area.
Check your insurance policy
Although a mistake occasionally made by many, do not assume that repairs for winter weather damage to your home will be covered by your home insurance policy, as this is not always the case.
Ensure that your insurance policy covers losses caused by natural disasters. Whilst damage flooding and storms are typically not included in your regular homeowner’s policy, they can be purchased separately.
We suggest you have a list of all your luxuries as documentation for your insurance company in case of any damage — better safe than sorry.
Protecting the inside of your home
With temperatures predicted to hit -15 in many sections of the UK, an important element to consider is the central heating.
Before the winter strikes, you should ensure that it is working properly by having it checked. You will undoubtedly require heat to keep you warm when the days get colder, as well as to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Freezing pipes can burst, ultimately resulting in costly repairs. Simply protect them by setting your heating to a minimum of 10-degrees and switch it on for at least an hour each day, insulating any exposed pipes and covering any faucets outside with insulating foam covers.
You will need to have your boiler serviced to ensure that it is working perfectly. This needs to be serviced at least once a year, but it should be checked before a harsh winter — hire a registered professional to pay a visit and check if your boiler is safe and efficient.
Before the winter weather arrives, ensure that your loft is insulated and continues to have sufficient ventilation. Similarly, there are small decorative decisions that you can make to ensure a warmer winter in your home — thicker curtains will keep cold drafts out whilst thick carpets and rugs will prevent any heat escaping.
Harsh winters can occasionally bring forth heavy winds and deluges in certain areas, thereby protecting your home and luxuries from being affected from these elements are key.
If you are living in an area that has a history of flooding, then it is best to take precautions by owning sandbags to protect your home — although cheaper than traditional materials, woven polypropylene sandbags offer more durable and long-lasting protection.
Protecting the outside of your home
Ensure that you have checked the condition of your roof, as there may be broken tiles, cracks or issues that should be taken care of before the weather worsens — if there are repairs needed, then immediately hire a professional to carry out the essential work.
Similarly, when checking your roof ensure that the gutters and downspouts are cleaned and unclogged, as this could help prevent any risk of flooding and structural damage to your home.
If there are signs of frost, ice or snow then work quickly to prevent paths and patios from becoming slippery. Use a salt spreader to salt your outdoor flooring and driveways, as it could be a potential hazard if it is left to become icy.
If you have any garden furniture, barbecues or fire pits, then protect them from the forthcoming elects by covering them. By placing fitted covers around these outdoor items, you will prevent any water damage, such as rust and rot —these covers do not lift during strong winds by securing them with straps and if possible, move items indoors for extra protection.
Protecting your home against bad weather
In times of strong winds, you should ensure that any outdoor furniture or loose items are either secured or brought indoors for extra protection, otherwise, they could be a danger to you or others.
Remember to park your car either in a garage or undercover, as there is a risk of trees being blown over and causing damage — guide yourself by keeping an eye on the news and weather forecasts.
Regardless of where you live, there is always a chance that the winter weather could affect you and your home, thereby prevent any risks by thinking ahead and ensuring that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your home against any bad weather.
