Taking some precautions before the winter weather kicks in can help prevent a claim, or for more extensive repairs later on down the line. Here's 7 things you can do to prepare your house and property for autumn.
Clean out your gutters, making sure that down pipes and any outlets are clear of leaves and debris. You'll also need to check and repair any leaking gutters. If a gutter is then blocked up with water, then this could freeze and pull away from the building causing further damage.
Inspect the roof for any broken, loose or missing slates/tiles/mortar or flashings and watch for any early signs of leaks or condensation on the ceilings – especially at the outer edges.
Cutting back trees that are close to your home means they are less likely to cause damage in a storm, as well as reduce the amount of leaves that drop into the guttering.
Getting your boiler serviced or inspected should always be included in any autumn MOT, as a boiler breakdown in the winter months is a grim experience.
It may come as no surprise that during the longer hours of darkness, there is an increase in the number of burglary claims made every year. It's a good time to review your home security measures.
If you're setting off for some winter sun, try to resist the urge to share news of your trip on social media, advertising an empty property to thieves.
Make sure you keep your contents insurance up-to-date and at a high enough level to cover all your belongings, should the worst happen.
