As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, now is a good time to prepare your home for the colder months.
Cold weather, heavy rain and strong winds can all put extra strain on your property. A few simple checks could help you prevent damage, avoid unexpected repair bills and keep your home comfortable throughout winter.
1. Check your roof
Loose or damaged roof tiles can allow rainwater into your home. Strong winds may also make existing damage worse.
Look at your roof from ground level and check for:
- Missing, cracked or loose tiles
- Damaged flashing around chimneys
- Signs of leaks or damp inside your loft
- Branches hanging close to the roof
Do not climb onto the roof yourself. If you notice a problem, ask a qualified professional to inspect it safely.
2. Clear your gutters and drains
Autumn leaves, moss and other debris can quickly block gutters and drainpipes. This may cause rainwater to overflow, run down exterior walls or find its way into the roof.
Clear any leaves you can reach safely and check that water can flow through your gutters and drains. You should also look for cracks, leaks or sections that have pulled away from the property.
Consider using a professional if your gutters are difficult to reach.
3. Protect your pipes from freezing
Water expands when it freezes. If this happens inside a pipe, the pressure can cause the pipe or its joints to split.
Use pipe lagging to insulate exposed pipes in colder areas, including:
- Lofts
- Garages
- Cellars
- Outbuildings
- Outdoor spaces
Repair dripping taps and make sure water tanks are properly insulated. It is also helpful to find your stop tap and check that you can turn it. This will allow you to shut off the water quickly if a pipe bursts.
4. Check your heating
Do not wait until the first very cold day to find out that your heating is not working.
Turn it on before winter arrives and check that your radiators heat up properly. If you have a gas boiler, arrange for it to be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
If you are going away, consider leaving your heating on a low or frost-protection setting. Always follow the instructions for your heating system and check your home insurance policy for any requirements.
5. Reduce draughts
Small gaps around windows and doors can make it harder to keep your home warm.
Simple steps such as fitting draught excluders, sealing gaps and closing curtains at night can help keep cold air out. However, do not block air bricks or permanent vents, as your home still needs proper ventilation.
6. Test your alarms
Heating systems, fireplaces and candles may be used more often during the colder months, so it is important to check your safety alarms.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries when needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and replace any alarm that has reached the end of its working life.
Faulty or poorly maintained boilers, fires and heaters can produce carbon monoxide. This gas has no colour, smell or taste, which makes a working alarm especially important.
7. Secure your garden
Garden furniture, bins, plant pots and trampolines can be moved or damaged by strong winds. They could also cause damage to windows, fences or nearby properties.
Store loose items in a shed or garage where possible. If they cannot be moved, secure them properly. Check gates and fence panels for damage and arrange for unsafe or overhanging branches to be cut back by a professional.
8. Prepare for heavy rain and flooding
Even homes that are not next to a river can be affected by heavy rain and surface water.
You can use the GOV.UK flood service to check current warnings and flood risk in England. Separate services are available for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If your home is at risk, consider:
- Signing up for flood warnings
- Keeping important documents in a safe, raised place
- Moving valuable items away from ground level
- Preparing a list of useful emergency contacts
- Keeping suitable flood protection products ready
9. Review your home insurance
Check your buildings and contents insurance before winter arrives. Make sure you understand what is covered for risks such as storm damage, flooding and escape of water.
You should also check:
- Your policy excess
- Any limits on valuable items
- The claims contact details
- Rules for leaving your home empty
- Any maintenance requirements
Home insurance is not a maintenance plan. Damage caused by general wear and tear or a lack of upkeep may not be covered. Cover can also be restricted when a property is left empty for a set period, so read your policy documents carefully.
If your circumstances have changed or you are unsure about your cover, speak to your insurance broker.
Your quick winter home checklist
Before the colder weather arrives:
- Inspect your roof from ground level
- Clear gutters and drains
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Find and test your stop tap
- Check your heating
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Secure outdoor items
- Check local flood risks
- Read your home insurance policy
A little preparation now could help protect your home throughout autumn and winter.
Looking for home insurance?
If you are reviewing your home cover before winter, One Call Insurance can help you explore your options. Take a look at our home insurance cover and get a quote when the time feels right.
Sources
