Protecting your home during the winter season…

With the Winter months upon us and the temperature falling, there are some precautions you may wish to take to minimise the risks of damage to your home from the winter weather..........

Outside your home……….

• Check your guttering and drains are clear, to ensure rainwater is carried away from your home. This will help prevent overflowing and, potential damp penetration.
• Inspect the roof areas of your home. Look for loose or cracked tiles and, ensure flat roof areas are in good condition.
• Use salt to clear paths and driveways of ice. Do not be tempted to use hot water, as this will freeze.
• Pack away garden tools and furniture.
• Be mindful of low hanging and broken tree branches which could cause damage in high winds.  

Inside your home……….

• If you intend to travel and leave your home unattended overnight, consider steps you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing and the risk of bursting. Please check your Policy for any terms and conditions applicable.
• Ensure water pipes and tanks/cylinders are adequately lagged/insulated.
• Make sure you know where your stopcock is located and that you can easily turn it off if needed as it can become quite stiff.
• Allow warm air to circulate within all areas of your home, perhaps consider the loft/attic and basement spaces too as these are often unheated areas prone to freezing.

Please keep personal safety in mind when checking your home and, contact a trusted professional should you not be able to do so yourself.

If you do suffer a burst pipe due to the pipes freezing, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent further damage:

• Turn off the water and turn on taps to make sure the system is drained to prevent further water escaping.
• Try to locate where the water is leaking from.
• It may not be possible to safely switch off your electrics, so do not touch any sockets or switches and consider contacting an electrician.
• Move valuables away from any dripping water if possible.

You should only attempt such measures if it is safe for you to do so
                                  If in doubt, contact us,or your Insurer who can advise you on the best course of action and advise coverage available under the Policy.                                      The above is for your guidance only and, is not intended to be an exhaustive list of measures and nor should this be taken as an approval for any works.