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Property Tips for coping in severe weather

With the onset of winter and the prospect of severe weather homeowners need to be thinking about protecting their property from the ravages of nature. There are three main problems which need to be tackled to reduce the possibility of disruption; freezing temperatures, copious amounts of snow and rain, and lastly high winds.

Firstly, freezing temperatures can lead to frozen and burst water pipes; but with some simple preventive measures this situation can be avoided.

• Ensure that all water pipes and
external taps are insulated
• Check pipes and taps regularly
to make sure they have not froze
or burst
• Leave heating systems on low
during the night or when away
from home to keep temperatures
above freezing point
• If leaving your property
unattended for any length of
time it may be prudent to turn
of the water supply and drain
down the system(s)

If after this you still get frozen pipes some simple measures can be taken to reduce the damage to yours and others property.

• Turn off the water supply at the
stopcock
• Open the taps to relieve the
pressure when thawing begins;
expansion of the water could
cause the pipe to burst, leading
to thawed water leaking from the
break
• Warm the pipe work, working
backwards from the taps, to
defrost the pipes (be patient,
do not use a blow torch or heat
gun as this may cause the pipes
to burst)

Should a burst pipe still occur then damage reduction is the prime concern; it’s vital to take action as soon as it is discovered.

• Turn of the water supply at the
stop cock (Usually under the
sink, in apartment blocks these
may be outside the apartment
door or in the service riser
cupboards)
• Turn of the mains electrical
supply immediately (water leaks
near your electrics or
electrical appliances could
increase the risk of
electrocution) Call a qualified
electrician immediately
• Move all possessions away from
the area of the leak and off the
floor where possible

Secondly, snow and rain; although snow looks festive it can have a negative effect on property. Drains will get blocked and when the thaw starts the water will have nowhere to go, coupled with the inevitable rain floods will ensue. To minimize the potential for flooding

• Keep external clear of as much
snow as possible
• Ensure that drains are kept
clear
• Create channels in the snow
towards the drains

This will ensure that once the thaw starts the water will be able to drain away safely rather than cause a localized flood.

Lastly, high winds; any object not secured during gales is at best an annoyance at worst potentially damaging to property. Some points residents need to be aware of to reduce the potential for damage include

• Items left outside can be blown
about so need to be located away
from areas of high wind and
secured
• Care should be taken when
opening windows or doors; the
extra strain placed on these if
they are pulled from your grasp
will cause damage requiring
repair or replacement
• Trees, fences and garden walls
can all be damaged by high
winds. Any damage should be made
safe or repaired as soon as
possible

Added: 2012-01-03 11:35:14