Securing your house against winter elements

April 2010

As the weather worsens and winter sets in, South African homeowners need to ensure that their homes are protected against the ravages of Mother Nature.

With the risk of high winds and winter storms, it is worth giving your home a winter check up in order to avoid or reduce the risks of insurance claims.

"A few essential checks should be carried out both inside and outside your home and on your property, in order to prepare for the consequences of bad weather," advises Melody Redman, general manager of Budget Insurance Brokers.

These include the following:

• Check the condition of your roof, noting cracked or broken tiles. If any repairs are needed, hire a professional contractor as soon as possible to ensure your home is protected against the elements.
• Clear gutters and drain pipes of leaves and debris in order to reduce the risk of blockages and overflows.
• Trim back any low-hanging branches to reduce the risk of damage as a result of high winds.
• Maintain sturdy security gates, alarm systems and good outside lighting which can deter criminals.
• Ensure that all sources of heating are in good working order including heaters (wall, oil, fan and gas heaters) and electric blankets. It is essential to ensure that their condition has not deteriorated while packed away during the summer months.
• Consider hanging thicker curtains which can help reduce heat loss in the home.
• Assess the threat of subsidence caused by cold and dry winters (the drying up of soil around the building's foundations rendering a house unstable). Look for cracks in the corners of doors, windows and ceilings – if cracks are wider at the top than at the bottom, they may signify a problem. Also, doors and windows that are becoming difficult to open or close, because they stick, is another indication.

Insurance risks faced in winter are less obvious: "Winter means staying in more and warm, cosy evenings. This often gives amateur chefs the momentum to create their own masterpieces. Unfortunately, this also means more chaos in the kitchen, such as fires," says Redman.

Accidents include slicing fingers while trying to chop vegetables, to attempting to use a blowtorch to create that perfect crème brulee. "It may sound ridiculous, but there are increasing household insurance claims as a result of all the 'aspiring' Jamie Oliver's out there," Redman says.

Keep safe and warm this winter and make sure your home has a clean bill of health.