It's not just the winter weather that can affect your home, so it's important to keep on top of maintenance in milder months too.
Planning ahead can help to reduce the risks against potential problems like the boiler breaking down or burst pipes. It also goes a long way when it comes to making a weather-related home insurance claim. Here, we run through the essentials.
Inspect the roof at the end of summer – remove any moss and repair any cracks.
Weatherproof cracks to prevent leaks.
Statistically, houses left empty during the summer experience more damage due to water leaks.
Keep your home energy efficient and draught-free. Repair doors and windows and replace any cracked panes.
It's a good idea to get your boiler serviced before the autumn.
Make sure all security locks are fitted and properly secure. Sadly thefts statistically increase over the summer months.
Check outside pipes and drains for blockages or damage.
Irrigate the lawn and set up a sprinkler system for plants that require a lot of water.
If you have a septic tank, have it emptied and serviced.
Seal your patio or driveway to protect it from the weather and weatherproof any decking of garden furniture, especially if it's made from wood.
And finally...
Ensure you act upon any damage, no matter how small, even if you don't need to make a claim. A future claim may be invalidated if you haven't made sufficient attempts to maintain your home.
