Tonight is set to be the coldest night of the year. And as the weather worsens it’s a good idea to give your home a winter once-over to prevent any nasty surprises. An unexpected storm or sudden boiler breakdown can quickly turn into an expensive ordeal. If you can, find a professional to check your boiler is in good working order. By taking the time to have your boiler looked at, checking the roof for loose tiles, or ensuring that pipes are well insulted, you could save a lot of money in the long run. Finally, always check you have the right level of home insurance for your situation, you can also consider taking 24 hour liability insurance, that typically refers to insurance coverage that provides liability protection for a full day or a 24-hour period. This type of insurance can be useful in certain situations where you need temporary liability coverage for a specific event or activity. So, for instance, if you have a shed, make sure all of your outbuildings and its contents are covered.
We worked with the team at Policy Expert and sat down to chat with Adam Powell, Head of Operations, to give you the top tips on protecting your home from winter weather:
Check your boiler and heating system – If you haven’t done so already this year, get your boiler checked and/or serviced by a Gas Safe registered plumber.
Roof tiles – Check for any cracked, missing or loose tiles and replace them. If a roof is in disrepair the weight of snow, hailstorm or high winds can prove to be hazardous. It is advisable to contact a reliable residential or commercial flat roofing contractor that offers services like snow, tornado, and roof hail damage services to avoid costly damage and to protect lives and property.
Keep the central heating on – Set the central heating to a minimum of 14 degrees Celsius throughout the winter. It helps prevent pipes freezing and frost damage.
Repair damaged chimneys – According to a reputable chimney care company, you need to look for cracks around chimney pots and at the roof join, also for loose render and render that’s come away from the stack. High winds and heavy rain can damage chimneys even further, make sure they’re properly stable before extreme weather happens.
Windows – Take a look at your window frames and fill any cracks and put on a coat of paint if needed. Extreme temperatures and wet weather can cause untreated wood to expand and rot, treating the window sills helps prevent water and frost damage.
Insulation – Lag any pipes and water tanks in exposed areas such as lofts, garages and utility rooms to prevent pipes freezing and bursting.
Guttering and drains – Clear your guttering and drains of any debris such as leaves, mud and stones; they can block easily and freeze up.
Walls – Check the pointing in brickwork both on the main house, all outbuildings and garden walls, look for any loose stone or areas that are in need of repair.
Fuse box and electrics – A home’s electrics are a major source of insurance claims. If you haven’t done so in a while, get a registered electrician to check your home’s fuse box, wiring, as well as fiber optics.
