HOME PROTECTION STORIES

How to get your home winter ready

Tips for protecting you, your family and your home.

The season of the cinnamon spice latte and long dark evenings is undoubtedly here. Before you get cosy in front of the fire, here are a few simple steps to stay warm and to prevent damage to your home from cold and snow.

Insulate, insulate, insulate

Disconnect and store outdoor hoses. Use foam insulators to cover outdoor taps.
Ensure that all exposed pipes in the home, attic, basement and garage are adequately insulated.
Check the insulation in your attic and upgrade where necessary. Seal around attic doors to prevent cold air escaping into your home. This will keep the house warmer and save you money.
Check window and door seals to ensure no cold air is getting in or warm air getting out.
Ensure your hot water cylinder is covered with a cylinder jacket to keep water hot for longer, saving you money.
Make sure you know how to turn off the water supply.

Examine Your Fireplace and Chimney

Get your chimney inspected by a professional chimney sweeper at least once a year, who can clean out debris
Store fuel in a dry place. Wet fuel can cause excess smoke which may back up into the room
Install a carbon monoxide alarm. These are inexpensive and will protect your family from the potentially deadly gas
Check smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries where necessary

Get Your Boiler Checked

Having no central heating over the winter period is the last thing you want to be dealing with.

Have your boiler serviced every year by a registered engineer to ensure it is working correctly and efficiently.

Clear Gutters and Drains

Debris such as leaves and moss can block drains and gutters causing leaks in the roof and walls.

Clean and maintain gutters and downpipes to keep water flowing during the winter.

Tidy Up Your Garden

Any overgrown bushes or trees should be trimmed back away from your house and away from electrical wires as they could cause damage if they fall.
Put gardening equipment and furniture away where possible.

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

When adverse winter weather hits, it often brings power cuts. To ensure you and your family are prepared this winter you may want to consider having the following items to hand.

Warm clothes and blankets to keep warm if the heat is off.
Candles, matches and torches. Never leave burning candles unattended though.
A fully charged mobile phone with emergency contacts.
Bottled water.
Sand, salt and a shovel to clear driveways of ice and snow.

Check your Home insurance cover

Ensure that your home insurance policy is up to date and that you have adequate protection should the worst happen.
In the event of unexpected damage to your home do not carry out any repairs (other than emergency repairs) until approved by your insurer.
An FBD home insurance policy includes home emergency assistance as standard. This provides a 24 hour, 365 day a year service in the event of a household emergency. It includes emergency repairs to make the home safe and prevent further loss following unexpected damage to your property.
In addition, we have a 24 hour find a tradesperson helpline. We can connect you to our approved network of tradespersons such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, glaziers and locksmiths. If you are an FBD home insurance customer you can access this by calling 1800 478 478.

Do you need help with covering your home this season? Give us a call on 0818 18 18 18 or get a home insurance quote online.

Don't forget to get your car in winter-ready shape too. You can find handy maintenance tips for your car here.