Property Blog and News / Protect your property from severe weather

Protect your property from severe weather

6 October 2019

Author

OnTheMarket
Property Expert

According to climate experts Britain is facing the most savage winter freeze for over a decade. Direct Line for Business highlights the importance for landlords of protecting a property against harsh winter weather.

Each year thousands of landlords across the country are caught out by a sudden cold snap.

Winter weather, which brings freezing temperatures and snow, can lead to burst pipes and damage to roofs and gutters.

In fact, in the freezing winter of 2011, insurers dealt with 3,500* claims a day for damage caused by frozen pipes.

A few simple considerations below should be taken into account now to protect your property and mean that you and your tenants are saved from the drama of frozen pipes or the inconvenience of a boiler breakdown, should the worst winter weather strike.

1. Make sure your loft is well-insulated

2. Lag pipes to protect them from the cold

3. Clean out guttering to reduce ice build-up and the risk of gutter overflow

4. Ask your tenants to inform you about any dripping taps

5. Open the loft door and cupboards to let warm air in and ask any tenants you might have to do the same

6. Ensure all windows are well-sealed to prevent water damage

7. Make sure your boiler is serviced regularly

8. Tell your tenants where the stopcock is in case of a burst pipe

*The Association of British Insurers.