Winter-proof your home

Freezing temperatures, storms, ice, snow – winter can be rather miserable for us all, and it can play havoc with our homes, too. Prepare your home against winter with our simple, practical guide.

The best cold remedies
Last winter, millions of people were caught off guard when temperatures plummeted to the lowest levels recorded for more than 30 years*.

Cold snaps can cause chaos when pipes freeze and burst. In fact, claims for water damage caused by burst pipes last December were 35 per cent up on the whole amount paid out in 2009**.

Although your RIAS Home Insurance policy gives you protection should the worst happen, it’s often the disruption to everyday life that’s the most frustrating. Imagine having to move out of your home while builders repair the damage, or finding a gift from your grandchildren is destroyed and impossible to replace?

The good news is it’s relatively easy to reduce the risk of pipes bursting with a few simple steps. Here’s how:

Pipe pitfalls

• Give your pipes – both interior and exterior – a winter coat! Insulated pipes are less likely to freeze than non-insulated ones, and the better insulated they are, the more protected they will be.
• Check for gaps around the areas where your television, cable or telephone lines come through your wall. Sealing them up to stop the cold air will help.
• If possible, lag your loft, cold-water storage tank and water pipes, which will also reduce the likelihood of burst pipes.
• If you can, use a snow rake to remove any snow that’s fallen on to the roof of your home, or call someone in to help you. This will prevent some of that snow from melting and refreezing in your gutters.

Going away?
If you’re leaving your home unoccupied for any period of time over the winter, it’s more important than ever to take precautions so you don’t come home to an unwanted surprise…

• If a cold snap is forecast while you’re away, set your home’s central heating to a minimum of 15°C (59°F).
• Opening up your kitchen and bathroom cabinets will help warm air circulate near pipes under your sinks.
• Ideally, leave your loft hatch door open, so the rising warm air in your house can enter the loft. This helps reduce the risk of your water tank freezing.
• If you’re planning to be away for a long period over winter, it’s worth considering turning off your water supply and draining your system. You may also want to ask a friend or neighbour to check on your house every seven days or so, just to make sure everything’s OK.

How RIAS can help
Winter weather can damage your home in other ways, too. Did you know, for example, that the main claim from extended accidental cover is for weight-of-snow damage, when a buildup of snow weakens a roof?

It is really important to understand the extent of your current home insurance cover.  Normal buildings and contents insurance is great the vast majority of the time but during periods of severe weather you may want to consider adding Extended Accidental Cover.  This is especially true if you have a conservatory or a flat roof that is susceptible to damage from heavy snow falls. If you want to learn more about the benefits of this cover please contact us.

Top Tips for Winter Driving
Read our top tips for winter driving to help you prepare before travelling and ensure you stay warm and safe this winter.

^{* Met Office statistics, 2010-2011
** Figures from the Association of British Insurers, March 2011}