We wanted to remind you to consider a couple of important things you can do to prepare and avoid disaster in Winter. We’ve put together a quick list of things to think about:
- Guttering- Blocked drain pipes and gutters can cause serious damage if there is a build-up of rainwater. It can leak into the roof cavity but yet simple solutions such as gutter leaf guards can be very effective and easy to get hold of. Check for ice in the gutters as this can weigh the gutters/pipes down causing them to collapse.
- Damp proofing- This is a black lining in the mortar around 2 or 3 courses above ground level. Most houses should have this to help improve your property.
- Water Pipes– Keep an eye on your plumbing. Where is your stop-cock? It is usually situated under the kitchen sink or stairs and you can use it to control the flow of water through a pipe. If the water valves are not shut-off properly the water can freeze and cause burst pipes. Check the insulation of pipes and tanks as they could also freeze.
- Electrics– Where is your fuse box? Know where it is and which switch powers which sockets or circuits. Some areas are prone to power cuts during bad weather and knowing where your fuse boxes are, having a torch handy all helps to keep the disruption to a minimum. You may even want to buy a couple of extra fuses to be extra-safe.
- Roof- try and carry out a visual check of your roof and look for any obvious loose or cracked tiles. Check chimney pots, TV aerials or satellite dishes, things which could come loose in the wind.
We all want to have an enjoyable Christmas and doing a quick check and carrying out a couple of tasks could avoid having to spend your holiday break on the phone to your insurance company or sat without water/power.
