Preventing winter property damage

As the weather gets colder and winds become stronger, seasonal changes can lead to both minor and major property damages. This change in climate increases the need for repairs, emergency call outs, and can trigger the start of lasting damages such as leaks, cracks and mould.

The good news is that there’s some simple actions that can be taken to protect your properties from building damage.

So what can you do? Here’s our list of high-priority maintenance checks in November:

1. Conduct a roof inspection

It is recommended to check your property roofs at least once a year as a preventative measure against leaks and further damage. You can hire a roofer to conduct the inspection for around £100-£200, or you can take a close look at your roof yourself using a ladder.

A roof inspection should check for missing or damaged tiles, signs of algae, and moss or leaf build up.

Cracked roofs or missing tiles can start leaks, which in the beginning may be unnoticeable, however can quickly lead to household damp, mould, and create larger openings.

2. Emptying gutters and trimming large trees

Falling leaves can escalate the risk of blockages in your gutters and drainpipes. This causes water to flood back into gutters, potentially triggering property leaks. Emptying gutters at the beginning of winter creates more space and reduces the likelihood of blockages and leaks.

3. Protect your pipes

The cost of fixing a burst pipe can rise to around £7,500 during freezing weather. The best way to protect pipes from bursting in freezing weather is to make sure that the pipes are well insulated prior to the cold winter months. As an additional measure, keeping your hot water on for at least one hour a day through the colder months will protect your pipes from the worst of the freezing weather.

4. Boiler checks

There’s nothing more frustrating for tenants than a broken boiler in the middle of winter. Conducting maintenance checks on boilers in the lead up to winter can prevent emergency call outs or costly repairs later on. It is recommended to service your boiler every 12 months, especially if you have boiler insurance as this is likely invalidated without a regular service.

Protecting you home for winter

Approaching winter months can be daunting for landlords with the increased likelihood of property damage. However, working with a fully managed letting and property agent can provide you with reassurance moving into these colder months. Popular Howsy plans come with home emergency and repair cover to provide you with the peace of mind you need managing your properties over this challenging season.