1. Check your guttering and drains

Blockages caused by leaves, moss, and other debris can prevent water from flowing, and increase the likelihood of water damage to the property. The weight of water or snow could also cause your guttering to fall down.

2. Inspect your roof

If it is practical and safe to do so, get up a ladder or take a good look at your roof from the ground. Keep an eye out for loose tiles and get a local roofer to take a look if you have any concerns. This could prevent serious water damage caused by rain or melting ice/snow getting into the loft. Also, be sure to check for any overhanging tree branches. High winds could cause these branches to fall and damage the roof.

3. Protect your pipes

The majority of claims received by insurers over the winter months are for damage caused by burst pipes. When the temperature drops, the water inside your pipes can freeze, and as the ice expands, it can rupture the pipe. Then when the temperature rises again, the ice melts and water leaks from the burst pipe resulting in water damage and flooding of the property or its grounds. To prevent this, make sure that all pipes are fitted with insulation. Insulation is cheap and easy to fit – it just wraps around the pipe. Also, don’t forget to check your outside taps – keep an eye out for drips.

4. Make sure you know where your stopcock is

If you are unfortunate enough to have a burst pipe or central heating issue, it is vital that you know where to find your water stopcock. The stopcock is used to turn off the water supply to the property.

5. Maintain your heating at a low level

If you are planning to go away for a few days or more, keeping your heating at a constant low level will stop the pipes in the home from becoming cold enough to freeze. It is also sensible to leave the hatch to your loft open to allow warm air to circulate.

6. Make sure your fences are maintained

Insurers won’t cover you for fences that are damaged or blown down in storms or other bad weather. Make sure your fences are sturdy and prepared for high winds.

7. Service your boiler

If your boiler has not already been serviced, get it checked in time for the big freeze. Doing this before the severe weather starts could save you a lot of money in boiler repair or replacement and give you peace of mind that your central heating will keep you and your family warm over winter.