5 Top Tips for Winter property protection
Winter is when small property faults turn into expensive damage. Quick checks for heating, pipes, gutters, roofing, and ventilation that prevent the most common cold-weather claims.
- Service your heating During winter months extra strain is placed on your boiler and heating system. You should make sure your boiler is serviced regularly. Bleed the radiators to release trapped air in the system and improve efficiency.
- Insulation warnings Insulation is great at doing its job but that’s not always a good thing in freezing conditions. By keeping the heat in you’re keeping the heat out of the loft and this can lead to burst pipes and water tanks. It’s a good idea to leave a gap in the insulation around water tanks. An alternative method would be to leave the loft hatch open to allow warm air to circulate.
- Going away? If you’re going away don’t switch your heating off. Instead leave it on a low setting. About 10 degrees Celsius should do. This will keep the frost off the pipes and avoid you coming home to unpleasant surprise. Leave internal doors open to allow air circulation.
- Check your drains and gutters A few loose leaves can quickly cause a blockage in your drain pipes. In freezing conditions this can cause a large buildup of ice. The increase in weight can cause gutters and pipes to fall down.
- Insurance obligations Make sure your insurance provides adequate protection. Check your policy for exclusions and the maximum vacant period.
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