Winter preparation for homes
Are you ready for winter? Dealing with the aftermath of property damage caused by winter weather is not only costly but stressful. Avoid putting yourself through it by planning ahead and protecting your property to limit any disruption. Corning Mutual’s Technical Leader Claire Longman suggests the following:
Plan ahead
- Clear gutters and drains of debris to prevent blockages and leaks.
- Repair any loose or damaged roof tiles or slates. Older properties are more vulnerable to roof damage in high winds or snowstorms so may require a more formal inspection.
- If there are trees on your property, remove any dead or unhealthy overhanging branches as these could break and cause damage during heavy snowfall or windy conditions.
- Keep a supply of grit handy to make paths and steps safer in icy conditions.
Prevent frozen pipes
- Check pipes for leaks or dripping joints.
- Lag pipes, tanks and taps in vulnerable, unheated areas with insulating foam.
- Locate your stopcock. It is often under the kitchen sink but can be elsewhere, so check where it is before the cold weather begins.
- Has your boiler and heating system been serviced this year? If not, book your annual service with a registered heating engineer. See additional advice below for oil tanks.
- Keeping your heating on, even at a low temperature, can help prevent pipes freezing in very cold weather.
- If you have a property left unoccupied during winter, consider turning the water off and draining the system.
If your pipes freeze….
- Turn off your inside stopcock. This is usually under the kitchen sink but can be elsewhere, so check where it is before winter begins.
- Drain the system as quickly as possible by opening all taps, turning them off again once the water stops running.
- Thaw pipes out slowly using hot water bottles or towels soaked in hot water, turning on nearby cold taps to relieve pressure on the pipe. Never use a blow torch.
- For gas-related issues, British Gas advises the problem with modern condensing boilers is likely to involve the condensate pipe - the plastic pipe leading outside from the boiler. Check to see if it's frozen and thaw as above.
- Contact a plumber if you need further help.
Keep your property warm and dry
- A well-insulated loft is important to keep your property warm. The Energy Saving Trust recommends a minimum thickness of 270mm for loft insulation. As well as heat loss, poorly insulated lofts can cause snow melt to run into gutters where it can refreeze, creating blockages and causing leaks.
- Encourage warm air to circulate to reduce damp and condensation. Avoid placing furniture too close to radiators and heaters, and leave loft covers and cupboard doors ajar.
- Fit draught proofing to ill-fitting windows and close curtains at dusk to keep warm air inside.
Check you have the right cover in place for any damage incurred during the winter, particularly as unoccupancy restrictions may apply to your home insurance policy. If you need to make a claim or report an event, call 01872 277151 or email askus@cornishmutual.co.uk
Don’t forget to check your oil tank
If you have oil-fired central heating, check your oil tank is ready for winter. When properly maintained, an oil tank can last 10 to 20 years but regular maintenance is essential to prevent costly and potentially dangerous leaks.
Before a winter oil delivery, inspect your tank for signs of wear and tear, looking out for hairline cracks, rust, bulging and discolouration.
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to significant problems and environmentally damaging leaks. If your tank has a secondary containment system (bund), don’t forget to check it is in good condition as it helps prevent spills reaching the environment.
Annual maintenance with an OFTEC-qualified heating engineer is also recommended. Detecting problems early helps your tank stays safe and functional throughout winter and saves potentially costly repairs or replacements.
If you spot an oil leak….
- Act fast. Clear the area, keeping children and pets well away.
- Switch off your tank to cut the oil supply and prevent further leakage.
- Place a container under the leak and use absorbent materials to contain the spread.
- Report the leak and notify your local authorities if oil enters drains or waterways.
- Put any oil-soaked items in a container and dispose of them correctly.
- Call your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers spill clean-ups.
Useful links
The Met Office has a number of home advice articles for winter, including how to keep your home warm, tips on clearing paths and what to do if you have a burst pipe.