Insurance

5 tips for protecting your home this winter

2 MIN READ May 12, 2021
With the cooler winter months fast-approaching, now’s the time to make sure your home is prepared. The last thing you want to be doing in the cold weather is trying to fix frozen pipes or broken heaters. From clearing out your gutters to checking your…

1. Clear your gutters and drains

Blocked gutters can cause severe damage to your home, especially during winter. Dampness from rain and colder temperatures can cause rotting and cracking, especially when you get a build-up of debris. Make sure you give your gutters a good clear out before winter starts and make sure that all of your drain pipes are working as they should be.

2. Secure your outdoor area

It’s unlikely that you’ll be making much use of your outdoor furniture during winter, so to avoid any damage from the weather, store it in a covered place. It’s also a good idea to take a look at any surrounding trees and prune where necessary. Tree branches can be dangerous if they break in any strong winds so remove any that are close to your house or power lines. If you’re working near power lines, it may pay to get the professionals in.

3. Check your heating

It pays to check over your heating equipment before you need to use them to make sure they are in safe working order. Check that your heaters don’t have any faulty wires or damage, and the same goes for your electric blankets. Depending on where they’ve been stored, they might have also built up a bit of dust so be sure to give them a good clean before use.

4. Look out for leaks

It’s important to check for leaks in any areas where water is used. Investigate your taps, your hot water cylinder and washing machines to make sure there are no cracks or leaks. Any water damage can trigger rotting and mould to take hold so check these out carefully. It’s also a good idea to take a closer look at your windows to make sure the seals are as secure as possible.

5. Review your insurance

If something gets damaged, you want to be sure your insurance will help you cover the cost. Now is a good time to check over your house, car and contents insurance to ensure you’re covered for what you really need. Your circumstances might have changed since last winter, so it’s a good idea to sit down with your adviser and get it all sorted to avoid any unexpected surprises!

 


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