Top 10 tips for protecting your home this winter

As we face colder temperatures, wind, rain and even snow, now is the time to make sure that one of your biggest assets, your home, is protected. Here are our top 10 tips in protecting your home (and your pockets!): –

1. Insulate your loft – This helps to keep you and your home warmer during the colder months. You should also ensure that you keep the property properly ventilated to avoid the build of up condensation which can contribute towards mould growth.
2. Insulate the pipes – By insulating hot water tanks and pipes, especially those in unheated areas of the property, like lofts and cellars, you can look to avoid pipes freezing, bursting and causing flood damage. It is also helpful to know where your stopcock is and how to turn this off in case of emergency,
3. Boiler Service – You should look to get your boiler serviced annually to ensure that it remains efficient and safe from breakdown! No one wants a cold house and cold-water during winter.
4. Bleed the radiators – By doing this you remove trapped air to ensure that the radiators remain as effective as possible at heating the property. You should look to keep the temperature of your home, where possible, at least 18 degrees.
5. Clear the gutters – Now is the time to make sure that you keep the gutters and downpipes to your property clear from leaves and other debris. This helps to prevent blockages and water damage that can occur to your property because of this.
6. Clear the Chimneys – With many properties having open fires or wood/multi fuel burners you should ensure that the chimneys are swept to avoid a build-up of soot or other blockages. This helps avoid the risk of chimney fires and ensures that smoke and deadly carbon monoxide can escape.
7. Check your roof – You should be checking for any loose tile or slates that may need repair. A small repair now could avoid a larger and much costly repair later!
8. Check your building insurance – It is essential to make sure that you have appropriate building insurance in place to protect you from the winter damage. A quick check now can avoid disappointment later if you are not covered against winter damage such as burst pipes.
9. Check your alarms – You should check both your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, particularly given that heating systems, open fire and wood/multi fuel burners will be in use more during this point of the year.
10. Secure Outdoor Items – You should look to store garden furniture safely away, secure any aerials and trim any dead branches from trees which can be contributory factors to storm damage to a property.

Winter weather can be tough on your home, but a few simple checks—insulation, boiler servicing, gutter clearing and roof inspections—can prevent costly damage and keep your property safe and warm. Taking action now protects both your comfort and your investment.

If you’re buying, selling or re-mortgaging your home and want clear legal guidance, our Residential Property team at SE‑Solicitors is here to support you. Contact me, Samantha Lawson to discuss your property needs and get tailored advice from our experienced team.