Protect your home in winter

Wintry weather can damage property, and repairs can be costly and disruptive. But a simple winter health check can go a long way to protecting your home.

Every winter, thousands of people suffer from frozen and burst pipes at home. Here are some simple steps to reduce the risk:

• Set your heating to maintain a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius.
• Keep pipes well maintained and, where possible, check for cracks and damage. Fixing small problems early reduces the risk of big problems later.
• Check that pipe work, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas like lofts, cellars, basements, garages and outbuildings are well insulated. If you find exposed pipes, insulate them with waterproof lagging.
• Make sure you know where your stopcocks are and check that they work. If a pipe bursts, you need to be able to stop the water supply quickly to minimise damage.
• If you go away, open the loft door to let warmer air reach water tanks and pipes in your roof space.

Keep your home warm and protected this winter with these steps:

Turn your heating on at least once a month, even in summer. This will keep it running efficiently and clear the boiler pump of any grit that has gathered when not in use.

Alongside central heating, a few quick tricks can help keep your home cosy in winter:

• Bleed your radiators every few months to keep them running efficiently
• Draw curtains to prevent window draughts
• If you have a chimney, use a draught excluder to prevent cold chills getting in.

Check for worn paintwork and damaged seals on windows. Water can get into gaps, causing the window to swell, jam, or rot.

Stock up with tins and frozen food so you don’t have to go out in bad weather.

Loose tiles can easily become dislodged during high winds and storms, and this can lead to damage to the fabric of the building.

Your outdoor areas are more exposed to the elements than any other part of your home. Here are some simple steps to prepare them for winter:

• Garden furniture - Pack away summer garden furniture, children’s toys and barbeques to prevent damage and stop them becoming potential hazards. Roll up garden hoses and keep them inside.
• Outside taps - Protect outside taps from frost damage using insulated covers.
• Leaves and debris - Keep gutters and drainpipes clear of leaves and other debris. Overflowing gutters can let rainwater into masonry.
• Fences - Carry out repairs where necessary. Most household insurance policies don’t cover storm damage to gates and fences, so we recommend making them stable and secure before winter arrives.
  

Never use water to clear snow, as it can refreeze and turn to black ice. Spread salt or sand on the cleared area to stop black ice from forming. Ordinary table or dishwasher salt works well.

If you’re going away, try and get someone to check in and keep an eye on your house, especially over the Christmas period. If you're away overnight, leave the heating on at a low level so warm water circulates around the pipes.

If you’re away for longer, some basic precautions can help to protect your home:

• The Royal Mail Keepsafe service can prevent unopened post building up - a tell-tale sign there’s nobody home.
• Don’t share your travel plans on social media - you never know who could be reading.
• Install a light timer to make it look like there’s someone in.
• Different home insurance terms sometimes apply when a home is left unoccupied. It’s worth calling your insurer to check what’s required or checking your home insurance documents.