Monday, February 9, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
According to AA Home Insurance, there has been a 50 percent rise in the number of home floods due to frozen pipes. It was revealed that homeowners nationwide have made claims in excess of £15 million for this reason.
Director of AA Insurance, Simon Douglas, commented: "After a decade of mostly mild winters it's easy to forget the threat posed to your home by freezing pipes. The cold snap is a reminder that burst pipes can cause serious water damage to both buildings and contents such as carpets and furniture. As well as dealing with an insurance claim, you face the major hassle of drying out and repairing your home.
"The good news is that you can reduce the risk by taking some simple precautions to stop pipes from freezing. This is especially important if you go away on holiday, and can save you from returning to a nasty - and damp - surprise."
The main cause of home insurance claims (one in five in a typical year) is said to be an ‘escape of water' within the home. A greater number of claims are experienced during the winter months as a result of icy conditions. Pipes at particular risk of freezing are those that are open to the elements, such as pipes supplying outdoor taps and plumbing in unheated basements, lofts and exterior walls.
The Association of British Insurers has reported that burst domestic pipes led to insurance claims worth £80 million during 2007, and £30 million during last year’s winter period.
According to the AA, a few things can help prevent frozen pipes. During cold spells, occasionally test that all taps are functioning. If there is a poor flow of water, or non at all, then it may be that the pipes have frozen. Ensure that you are aware of the location of your stopcock, which can be used to cut off the flow of water in the event of a leaking pipe. Pipes that are most exposed to freezing conditions should be appropriately insulated, including any corners and pipe-work elbows. The necessary materials can be purchased at DIY stores. If you are going away, do not turn off the central heating – it should be left on ‘tickover’ by setting the thermostat low. In addition, ask a neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home so that any burst pipes can be dealt with as soon as possible. Any indoor valves on pipes leading to outdoor taps should be switched off, then the outdoor tap opened to let any water drain away so that there is no water in the pipes to freeze. Regular checks and services for your central heating system should be carried out, as a leaking radiator valve can result in water damage.
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Homeowners who feel that they would like to implement additional measures to protect their property against the elements, but are lacking the funds to facilitate such work, could consider a secured loan. A secured,
home improvement loan could cover the cost of installing the extra measures, and the cost of repairing anything that is likely to leave the house exposed to poor weather conditions. Home improvement loans can usually be repaid over a term to suit the borrower from 5 to 25 years, but it must be remembered that repaying the borrowing over a longer term may increase overall interest charges.
