How to Weatherproof Your House for Winter

As the colder months approach, it’s imperative to weatherproof your house to minimise damage and reduce costly claims. We’ve pulled together five ways to keep your property safe from the cold, dark months.

Inspect doors and windows

Weatherproofing external doors and window frames in your house is a key consideration when preparing your house for the wintry weather. Check for any signs of cracks, leakages, mould, or damage to your existing doors and windows that could let in draughts or prove dangerous in heavy downpours and strong winds.

Install weatherproof strips in any gaps to ensure that no air or water leak through the openings. If you plan on installing these strips yourself, make sure to measure the frames accurately before installation. If you are not confident installing these yourself, hire a professional to do the job.

Protect your pipes

Did you know that frozen or burst pipes are among the most expensive insurance claims made during the winter? With high energy prices, more and more of us are hesitant to put our heating on. Experts at Zurich reveal “households risk facing damage costs of up to £12,791 if frozen pipes lead to escape of water in their home”.[1] To avoid this, make sure to examine your boiler and pipes regularly and keep the heating on frost protection as the bare minimum during the colder months. You could also consider investing in water leak detection systems.

Check the gutters

Clearing the gutters is essential to prevent overflow, damp, and a dangerous ice rink from developing on the surface below.

Whilst a small obstruction will likely only cause slow drainage and frustration, a larger blockage could result in the back-up of water and flooding. Long-term, blocked drains can cause serious damage to your property and even the health of the people/animals inside.

Waterproof the roof

An appropriately maintained roof is the most essential element in weatherproofing your home. In addition to keeping you warm throughout the colder months, a roof that is waterproof and well-insulated will also help you save money. Check for any cracks, dampness, slipping tiles, or moss. You can also hire a roof inspector to perform a full examination of the roof.

Home repairs

Clever interior decorating can also act as a preventative measure against damage. For example, keeping an umbrella stand next to the door discourages people from lugging them around on their visit, which is not just a slip risk but also risks damaging your floors. Similarly, having a welcome mat outside the door will remind visitors to wipe their shoes before entering, keeping your floors dry as well as being the perfect way to occupy them as they wait for you to answer the door.

Remember that careful planning and actions taken today could help you and your property survive and thrive, despite the weather.

Visit our home insurance page for more information.