- \n
- Before the on-set of stormy weather, the first and most important area for attention is your roof.\u00c2\u00a0 Often you can assess whether tiles have moved or are missing from the ground.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Areas of roof that are not easily visible from the ground may require secured access, such as scaffolding, for a closer inspection.<\/li>\n
- As autumn advances into winter, leaves and moss can gather and cause blockages in guttering, which can lead to water ingress.\u00c2\u00a0 Check and clear gutters thoroughly throughout the season.
![\"icicles\"](\"http:\/\/www.propertysurveying.co.uk\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/icicles-300x225.jpg\")
<\/li>\n - It is also important to clear guttering after a snowfall.\u00c2\u00a0 Leaves and moss can freeze, block or break pipes, or weigh down your guttering causing it crack.<\/li>\n
- Equally important is the damage that can be caused by low hanging tree branches in high winds.\u00c2\u00a0 If you have trees, make sure these are trimmed, preferably by a professional tree surgeon, before bad weather hits.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Generally, October and November are the best times for cutting back trees; a professional tree surgeon will advise you the best time of year to cut back your tree dependent on the type.\u00c2\u00a0 It is vital to remember that if the branches belong to a tree growing in your neighbour’s garden, it is advisable to speak with them first to avoid disputes should the worst happen.<\/li>\n
- To prevent them getting damaged, or from damaging parts of your property in a storm or high winds, loose items in your garden or on a balcony will either need to be brought inside or secured.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Inside your home<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Valuable heat can escape through gaps in doors and windows.\u00c2\u00a0 Low cost solutions, like adhesive tapes around door and windows frames, as well as old fashioned draught excluders at the foot of doors are simple and effective ways of immediately reducing heat loss and saving money.<\/li>\n
- If you have an open fire, when not in use close the flue door to prevent draughts.\u00c2\u00a0 Remember to open it again when starting a fire and ensure sure you have proper ventilation.<\/li>\n
- The more insulated your home, the more heat efficient it is.\u00c2\u00a0 Good loft insulation is essential and cavity wall insulation also helps.\u00c2\u00a0 These do not necessarily have to be expensive.\u00c2\u00a0 There are a number of Government grants that can contribute to the costs and your local authority will be able to advise what funding may be available.<\/li>\n
- It is also important to insulate the top and sides of your water tank with sheets, old blankets or a tank jacket.<\/li>\n
- To prevent the disruption and inconvenience that frozen water pipes cause, pipes should be lagged with foam tubing to help stop them from freezing.\u00c2\u00a0 It is particularly important to lag pipes in attics and any leading to outdoor water sources.<\/li>\n
- During a cold snap, always keep an eye on pipes for signs of freezing, cracks, bursts or leaks.<\/li>\n
- Check dripping taps and fix as even a trickle of water can freeze and completely block a pipe.<\/li>\n
- Improve the efficiency of your radiators by \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcbleeding\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 them to release trapped air as this will enable hot water to fill every part of the radiator and heat your home more efficiently.<\/li>\n
- If you are likely to be absent from your home for more than five days between November and March, you will need\u00c2\u00a0 either to keep your home constantly heated to 12 degrees centigrade or turn the water supply off at the mains and drain the system.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 It is worth noting that in the event of a claim most insurers do not pay out if you have not taken either of these measures.<\/li>\n
- And finally, it is vital you know the location of your stop tap so you can reach it quickly in an emergency.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Make a point of finding out where it is as soon as you move into a property (tip: first place to try is beneath the kitchen sink<\/em>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00c2\u00a9\u00c2\u00a0 www.propertysurveying.co.uk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"