Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Category:
Home Improvements
As we head into the winter months, Direct Line has offered some tips to protect your home during cold weather.
Home expert at Direct Line, Jenny Trueman, commented: "Wintry weather can wreak havoc on the home, whether it's a boiler that seizes up at just the wrong time or a pipe that freezes and bursts. Homeowners can take a few simple precautions to protect themselves. This includes preventative maintenance work and getting a good home emergency policy.
"It can be difficult to find a reputable tradesman at any time, but they are especially busy in the winter. Customers with home emergency cover from Direct Line can be assured that, if something goes wrong, we'll send an experienced tradesman round to help sort it out quickly."
Direct Line has advised homeowners to take the following steps:
- Use preformed pipe insulation to protect any exposed pipes.
- Replace the washers on any taps that may be dripping to avoid pipes from getting blocked should the taps freeze.
- Ensure that you are aware of where your stopcock is and that you know how to shut it off should a pipe burst.
- Prior to lighting the first fire of the winter, have your chimney swept.
- Leave the heating on at a low level during particularly cold spells, or set it to come on a couple of times each day – especially if the property is going to be left vacant.
- On cold days, open the loft hatch to let heat in.
- Lag any exposed pipes in the loft, if possible, to prevent them from freezing and then bursting as they thaw.
- Make sure that there are no issues with your loft insulation and that is in good condition.
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Homeowners who would like to make improvements to their property to ensure that it is able to withstand the elements could consider taking out a secured loan to fund work required. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could allow borrowers to repair a damaged roof for example. The funds could also be used to fully insulate a property, and to replace any draughty doors or windows to enhance heat retention. Following such work, homeowners may wish to re-decorate and re-furbish their house to make it all the more cosy.
