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| Photo from David Baird |
As the climate continues to be
unpredictable, it seems like every day there is an extreme weather warning
somewhere. We’re being battered with everything from storms, gale force winds
and flooding this year. There is still snow predicted to fall, which will wreak
even more havoc.
Look outside. Tidy away and secure
anything in your garden that could be blown away or knocked down by high winds.
Trampolines, garden furniture, and unsecured greenhouses are vulnerable in
windy weather. Large objects blown across
your garden can cause further damage to your
property now. Even plant pots and trellises can be potential dangers.
Power surges are common during
storms. Unplug any electrical items that aren’t in use to protect against
potential damage if you are hit by a surge. If you’re prone to leaving things
on standby, this will also save you money!
Stormy weather adverse winds can
damage your roof. Check tiles and slates for any problems after severe weather.
Look for broken or missing tiles to see if the weather has taken its toll.
Leading housebuilders, Linden Homes advise that they should be
replaced as soon as possible. Doing this will avoid further problems, such as
damp. . Most new houses have a protective underfelt to help minimize water
leakage and further damage. but tiles should still be fixed as soon as you can.
Inspect your fences. Loose fence
posts and panels may be the first things to go in a storm. You can bypass
having to replace your fence if you make sure it is secure now. Overlap fences are one of the most popular types
of garden fencing, but they don’t stand up very well to high winds. If you live
somewhere that storms are common, you may wish to look at other alternatives.
This could save you time and money post-storm.
Tall trees and hedges can become
hazards during a severe storm. Cut them back before bad weather hits. You’ll
reduce the risk of broken windows when the winds come. Ask the advice of a good tree surgeon. They will be able to cut trees
and hedges back without damaging the chances of future growth. Install storm
windows or shutters if you live in a high-risk area.
Check your insurance policy. More
and more insurers require reasonable precautions to be taken in case of bad
weather. Read your policy thoroughly to make sure you are fulfilling all of the
requirements. Should the worst happen, the last thing you need is a battle with
your insurers to pay out. No one needs that stress or expense! There is no
point in having insurance if it doesn’t cover your needs. You may also be
making your policy invalid by not taking the correct steps to protect your
home.
Taking time now to protect your
home can save unnecessary expenditure and worry in the future. Make sure you have done everything you can to
protect your home. Do this before storms and adverse weather have a chance to
do any harm to your property or belongings.