With winter coming soon, we know that this can mean
complications for property owners due to the drop in temperature. Even more so
this year, with the forecast of an intense tropical Pacific El Niño peaking
late in 2026, which correlates with wetter, milder, and windier conditions – so
it’s very likely this winter will be dramatically colder than previous years.
There are a handful of things that can be done to prepare for winter.
Pipes
Insulating pipes, also known as pipe lagging, can protect
the pipes from the cold or any freezing which in turn helps prevent leaks.
Gutters
Ensuring that all gutters are cleaned will reduce ice
build-up and stop them from overflowing. Ensuring that trees are properly
trimmed will also reduce the amount of leaves falling into pipes, as well as
avoiding damage from falling branches.
Boiler
Service your boiler in preparation for the colder months. Making sure all your heating systems are working will ensure that you are as comfortable is possible.
Keeping the heat in
Investing in items such as thermal curtains and rugs can also be a cost-effective way to keep the heat inside the property. As heat rises, it’s also a good idea if your property has a loft door/cupboard to keep it open as much as you can to let the warm air inside your house
Roof checks
Check the properties roof tiles to ensure that none are loose. When the wet and windy conditions start, this can encourage loose tiles to fall off – making it unsafe, as well as letting cold air and draughts into your home.
Water and gas shut off points
Ensuring you know where these points are can help prevent further damage and loss in the case of faults. If these points are shut off when things go wrong, it means that you have more time to reach out to your claims supplier without worrying that the situation is escalating.
Radiators
Finally, checking that your radiators are all up to scratch is useful. It may be necessary to bleed them to ensure that they are working to the best of their ability, ensuring every room stays warm.
Why is this all important?
It not only saves you money on energy bills, it can also prevent costly damage from freezing or dampness, and keeps your household safe and warm.
These are just a few of the things you can do to protect your property – some may have been obvious; some may not have been! As always, we are here to help if any emergencies arise providing you with access to qualified engineers and expert advice in your time of need.
Please note that this is just an informative blog post for readers - please consult a professional before doing any of the technical steps if you are not licensed to do so. Devon Bay Solutions holds no responsibility over actions taken from reading this post.