The weather across the UK is highly unpredictable, and with evidence suggesting that global warming is contributing to increasingly erratic weather around the world, it’s more important than ever that your home is protected against extreme weather conditions, as well as general damage caused by the rain, heat and wind.
Keeping your home safe from all weather is important, but it can be tough to think about all the options you have and all the different eventualities you need to prepare for. To help you, here’s a handy guide to weather-proofing your home and making sure you keep it and everyone living in it safe from the elements.
Be Vigilant When Checking For Damage
If you notice anything wrong with your property then make sure that you quickly act on it, either by fixing the offending issue or by contacting a specialist. This will ensure that the problem doesn’t get any worse and limit the damage that a serious change in the weather, such as high wind speeds or snow, will have on your home. You should check your home at least once a year for signs of damage and try your best to stay on top of any essential maintenance.
Stay Informed
You don’t want to get caught unprepared for any emergencies, so sign up for weather alerts that will tell you immediately if your local area is deemed at risk of any serious damage from the weather. Before you move in you should check what issues your property is at risk of, such as flooding or being snowed-in, then prepare for these eventualities or even consider selecting a different property that isn’t as high-risk.
Clean And Check Your Drains
Drains are crucial for ensuring that rainwater runs off your property and away from your home, so you need to clean them at least once a year and have them checked by experts who can make sure that there are no blockages that could prevent your home’s drains from performing their proper function. If you notice that your drains aren’t diverting water properly, or you see water building up in a certain place on your property, then have it surveyed to find and fix the problem. You can get a survey at draindetectives.co.uk who are one of the leading providers in the South of England if you want to get to the root of any drain problems that you might be dealing with.
Trees Can Cause Damage
When you’re thinking about weather-proofing your home, it’s important that you consider the damage that low-hanging branches and falling trees can cause to your home. Have your trees inspected so that you’re sure that they’re safe and strong enough to withstand strong winds. If you feel that they are too close to your home or at risk of falling down, then consider cutting them back or even having them removed so that your home is safe.
Keep Your Roof Safe
Your home’s roof will keep it safe from all aspects of the weather, so make sure that you inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage, and if you think that there are structural problems then work with a roofing specialist who can fix the problems promptly before they develop into even more dangerous issues. Depending on the type of roof you have, you may need to have this checked and fixed by a professional on occasion, so ask them to check for damage too.
Check Windows And Doors
When the weather is bad it can damage your windows and doors, and these openings could potentially let in cold air, water or wind, so it’s important that you weather-proof your windows and check that your doors are safe and sturdy. Make sure that your home’s windows and doors are all well-fitted and that they are the best solution for keeping out the bad weather, and if you don’t feel that they’re doing their job properly then look into replacements that will keep your home safe and dry.
Prepare For The Worst
It’s never nice to have to think of a serious emergency, but should your home be hit by a flood or snowstorm then it’s important that you’re prepared. Keep a store of canned foods, torches and other emergency equipment in your home so that you have everything you need should you end up stranded, and make sure that you store sandbags, shovels and other tools in your garage so you can easily defend your home against any storms that hit it.
Keep Your Home Covered
Should the worst happen and your home is damaged by poor weather, it’s important that your insurance policy covers you so that you can get things back to normal. Make sure that your policy protects you against storm damage so that you can make a successful claim should your home be damaged by the weather.
When it comes to weather-proofing your home, the most important thing is that you work with professional service providers who can advise you on the best solutions to suit your needs.