Household Winter Check List

A Winter Check List for Your Home

Rainbow International Morecambe have put together a helpful check list to help your home become winter ready. During this time of year, insurers see an increase in claims where properties have suffered weather related damage.  According to a British Gas survey one in seven households have not yet made sure their homes are ready for winter.

With Britain and especially Cumbria known for it’s wet & cold winters we hope this guide can help you prepare your home.

Heating System

• Ensure radiators or heaters are not blocked so air can flow freely
• Check the pressure on your boiler
• Bleed any radiators
• Check when your boiler is due its annual service and if needed book with a reputable and qualified heating engineer

Open Fire

• Inspect your chimney / flue for any nest
• Arrange to have the chimney swept
• If you don’t use your open fire, consider options to have it sealed to remove draughts

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

• Smoke alarms should be checked every week and batteries once a year
• Carbon monoxide alarms can be purchased from most hardware stores

Pipes & Water Tanks

• Frozen pipes can cause more water damage than a flood to your home
• Any exposed pipes including those in your loft should be well insulated to avoid becoming frozen
• Pipe lagging and insulation can be bought from most hardware stores
• Check your hot water tank and if needed buy a new jacket to reduce heat loss
• Remove and store away your garden hose to prevent cracks, preserve their shapes, and prolong their life
• Cover your outside tap with a tap cover to prevent it freezing

Draughts

• On a windy day check for draughts around windows and doors
• Replace any seals that allow drafts

Garden

• Look around your garden for things that can easily be blown over and cause damage
• Cut back any overgrown or damaged branches
• Clean, dry and cover your garden furniture. You can use heavy duty tarp or specially purchased covers, if you have room store in your garage or shed
• Check any drain covers are intact to allow drains to flow freely
• Check for damaged or rotten fences and replace before they cause damage to other areas
• Clean any pathways to ensure they do not get slippy with moss or algae
• Make sure you have a supply of ice melt or grit for any pathways or driveways

Roof & Gutters

• Check all gutters and down pipes that they are securely fitted
• Clear any debris from gutters
• Do a visual check of your roof to check for loose roof tiles
• Call a professional for further advice if needed or any areas you cannot access safely

Rainbow International Morecambe offer fire, flood and water damage restoration to businesses and home owners throughout the North West. We also offer specialist cleaning services to homeowners and commercial properties.

Telephone 01524 399 13