By John Healy of Healy Insurances

As winter is upon us, here are some tips to help you prepare and protect your home and property from inclement weather.

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CHECK FOR CRACKS

Check there are no cracks in any bricks, slates or tiles as water can get into them, freeze, expand and cause damage. All parts of a fixed water system, such as boilers, radiator stop values, taps and all piping should be inspected by a qualified plumber at least once a year.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Don’t forget to sweep the chimney as upswept chimneys are a potential fire hazard especially after a period of dry weather. Clearing your gutters and drains will go a long way to protecting your property from rain damage. Clearing moss from driveways and patios is also recommended.

Apply insulating lagging to pipes particularly in cold areas like the attic, outbuildings or where pipes are external. Water tanks and cisterns should also be fitted with adequate lagging insulation. Please ensure that insulation is on top of roof piping, not under, to benefit from heating coming from below.

ALARMS

Check all the house alarms are in working order; smoke, carbon monoxide and intruder alarms. Leaving the attic door open while the heating is on will allow warm air to reach pipes high up in the attic and prevent them from freezing. Know where your stop valve is, so that if you do have a leak, you can turn off the water.

If you are away from home during the winter set the heating to come on when the temperature drops below a certain point to prevent freezing. The coldest time is between 1am and 3am.

UNOCCUPIED HOMES

If your home is to be unoccupied for an extended period, inform your insurers and drain the water system so that freezing of pipes cannot occur.

Finally it is recommended to make sure the whole family know what to if you have a burst pipe or storm damage. Please check on the well-being of elderly neighbours and ask a friend or relation to check your house on a daily basis if you are away during the winter months.