December 7, 2022

Winter weather in Scotland can create serious risks for your property. Keeping on top of regular maintenance will ensure small issues don’t become bigger and more costly problems during winter. Consider these tips to winter proof your property and your home:

 

  1. Check your roof and gutters – conduct regular inspections and carry out maintenance to ensure roofs, gutters, pipes and drains are in good condition and free from leaves and other blockages.
  2. Know what to do in a power cut – Britain could be facing a significant risk of gas shortages this winter meaning households could experience a series of blackouts or power cuts. Make sure you are prepared and have torches (and extra batteries!) to hand.
  3. Winter garden maintenance – tend to any trees with dangerous overhanging branches, fix broken fences and put away or secure any garden furniture including tables, chairs, firepits and trampolines, especially if high winds are forecast, so they don’t become a hazard to you or your neighbours.
  4. Service your boiler regularly – you don’t want to fall short in winter and end up in a freezing house. If the weather drops severely, your boiler is at risk of freezing, therefore try to run the heating regularly if possible.
  5. Check your pipes – make sure your pipes and water tanks are insulated and protected from freezing.
  6. Exterior lighting – installing security lights, especially on a timer, can help to make you feel safer and can help to prevent break-ins.
  7. Ensure you are insured – make sure your insurance policy is up to date and robust for ultimate peace of mind against winter weather disasters.

 

Lastly, if your property is likely to be empty over winter for a prolonged period of time, get someone else to keep an eye on it and check for any issues – a burst pipe could end up disastrous on your return from holiday.