Below are essential tips to help you get your home winter-ready. Remember, routine maintenance not only ensures comfort but also helps avoid potential issues that might not be covered by your home insurance due to poor upkeep or wear and tear.
Winter storms can be harsh, so it’s wise to spend some time inspecting your roof. Look for cracked, loose, or missing tiles and replace them promptly. Damaged roofing can lead to leaks and water damage inside your home. Also, check the mortar around ridge tiles and repair any wear to prevent tiles from dislodging during strong winds.
Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to damage to your roof, walls, and even your home’s foundation. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure water can flow freely. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris that collects.
Strong winds can turn unsecured garden furniture and tools into hazards. Store away or firmly secure items like patio furniture, grills, and garden ornaments. Check fences, gates, and sheds for any weaknesses and repair them to prevent damage during storms.
Snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and potentially damage your home. Trim any branches that hang over your house or are close enough to cause concern.
Up to 25% of your home’s heat can escape through the roof. Proper loft insulation is a cost-effective way to retain warmth. Similarly, cavity wall insulation can significantly reduce heat loss. Check with your local council about grants or schemes that can help with installation costs.
Drafts can make your home feel colder than it is. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal gaps. Consider installing draft excluders at the bottom of doors and using thick curtains to keep the cold out.
Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive water damage. Insulate pipes in unheated areas like lofts, garages, and external walls with foam tubing. Don’t forget to insulate your water tank with a jacket to keep it from freezing.
There’s nothing quite like the crackling sound and heat from a lovely open fire but unfortunately unless you have had the chimney swept or inspected since last season there is an increased risk of a chimney fire occurring. In fact, most chimney fires are preventable, and the most common causes of chimney fires are:
Allowing a small trickle of water to flow can prevent pipes from freezing. Do ensure there is the correct drainage in place for the excess water to go to – avoiding any nasty surprises.
Familiarise yourself with the location of your main water shut-off valve so you can act quickly in an emergency.
This helps warm air circulate throughout your home, reducing the chance of pipes freezing.
Keep your thermostat set to at least 15°C, even at night, to prevent your home from getting too cold.
An annual boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer can prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most. Regular maintenance ensures your heating system operates efficiently and safely.
If your radiators are hot at the bottom but cold at the top, they may have trapped air. Bleeding them releases this air, allowing hot water to circulate properly and your home to stay warm.
If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have your chimney swept before winter. Soot and creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires, which are most common in the colder months. Regular cleaning reduces this risk and improves heating efficiency.
Snow and ice can make it difficult to leave your home. Keep essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, and medications on hand. Store rock salt or sand to de-ice any paths and driveways.
Have shovels accessible for clearing paths. Regularly clearing snow reduces the risk of slips and falls.
Place non-slip mats at entrances to prevent tracking in snow and water, which can create slippery indoor surfaces.
With increased use of heating systems & fireplaces during winter, the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning rises. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
Ensure you have accessible fire extinguishers and that they are serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Winter storms can cause power surges. Protect your electronics by using surge protectors.
Keep a kit with torches, extra batteries, candles, matches, and a first-aid kit. A battery-powered or wind-up radio may sound a bit extreme, but could serve as a viable lifeline during a lengthy power outage. More so if your home is in a rural location.
Consider portable heaters or a small petrol powered generator for emergency heating. Use them safely, following all manufacturer instructions to prevent fires or carbon monoxide buildup.
Have a list of emergency numbers, including your utility providers and a trusted plumber or electrician, in case of urgent repairs.
If you rent out property, ensure your tenants are aware of winter precautions. Provide them with information on:
Remember, tenants may not have experience with home maintenance, so clear communication is key to preventing issues.
Review your home insurance policy to ensure it meets your needs, especially for winter-related incidents like storm damage, burst pipes, or flooding. The Intelligent Insurance policy includes storm and flood coverage, but you must check for exclusions like damage to gates, fences, or hedges. Ensure you maintain the property well, as losses due to lack of maintenance may not be covered.
Standard policies may not cover all winter-related scenarios. Depending on your home’s requirements, consider upgrading to Home Emergency Plus, which offers enhanced support beyond the standard Home Emergency Cover:
If you’re an existing customer you can add Home emergency plus cover to current policy via your account.
Having quick access to these documents ensures that you can follow proper procedures in case of claims and take immediate action. If you prefer offline access, consider downloading and securely storing your documents.
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