With the temperatures beginning to drop and cold months fast approaching, it’s now a good time for landlords to start thinking about protecting their property from the elements during winter.
This is important not only to protect the value of your long-term investment and avoid the need for making an insurance claim, but essential for the comfort and well-being of your tenants.
In this short guide we will look at the best ways to protect your let property during the winter months.
Service your boiler
It might sound obvious – but make sure your boiler and heating system is in good working order and recently been serviced by a Gas Safe engineer. It’s important that your boiler is serviced on a regular basis – the cost to have your boiler serviced regularly is far less than having to pay for a new boiler at Christmas time.
During sub-zero temperatures, having your boiler on at a low temperature for a few hours each day will help to keep your pipes warm and prevent freezing.
Remember to check your radiators are in working order and bleed if necessary to ensure even heat distribution.
Clear your guttering
Falling leaves and debris from windy weather can contribute to clogged drains and gutters. If a blockage occurs, water can back up through the pipes potentially causing water ingress to the roof and walls of your property. Ensure that your gutters, overflow pipes and drains have been inspected by a qualified contractor and cleared of any blockages.
We would also recommend having your roof inspected by a qualified roofing contractor for any cracked or missing slates, as a build-up of snow or ice could also result in water ingress to your property.
Tilting chimneys is an evident sign that roof repairs are required – having these repairs carried out quickly can prevent further damage and water ingress to your property.
Avoiding frozen pipes
One of the most common causes of property damage during winter is frozen pipes, which can lead to a crack in the pipe resulting in an escape of water.
There are various ways to help prevent this, such as keeping your boiler warm and inspecting visible pipes for any noticeable cracks.
It is also a good idea to drain and shut off the water to outdoor faucets or taps, as this can lead to an escape of water.
Another important measure to take is to ensure that your property is properly insulated and ventilated, including adding insulation to any external pipes, which will help to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather.
Vacant properties – check your insurance.
Some insurers will apply specific conditions while your property is unoccupied during winter – for example there could be a requirement to notify your insurer that the property will be empty, or your insurer may make requests such as keeping the central heating on at a certain temperature or switching the mains services off.
Keeping your tenant informed
If you know that your property will become unoccupied for an extended period during the winter months, it is a good idea to inform your tenants about the importance of keeping the boiler on at a low temperature to prevent your pipes from freezing.
In the event of an emergency, you should ensure that your tenant knows where the stopcock for your mains water supply to the property is.
It’s advisable to have a plan in place in case of a water leak or burst pipe, including emergency contact information for plumbers and other contractors who can address the issue quickly.
These are just some of the ways you can ensure your property is protected during the winter months. If you would like to discuss your existing insurance policy, please contact Jamie McKenzie at Howden at Jamie.McKenzie@howdeninsurance.co.uk or 0131 561 2408.
