Tip 1 – Keep your heating on

It can be expensive but remember to keep your central heating on and circulate the hot air. Opening and closing your attic trap door will help keep pipes from freezing.

Tip 2 – Disconnect and empty the garden hose

Make sure you disconnect the garden house from the spigot. If you leave the hose connected to the spigot it may trap water inside and, during freezing temperatures, may cause the spigot or the hose to burst. Similarly make sure you fully drain the hose as frozen water may cause a rupture in the hose.

Tip 3 – Lubricate key areas on your car

This may not particularly house insurance-related but it is a worthwhile tip to protect your motor vehicle in freezing temperatures. There are four key areas you should lubricate to avoid rusting or ice damage. These are; the window channels (roll down the windows fully and spray inside the gap where the window will emerge from & around the sides) then run the windows up and down a few times to spread the lubricant. The trunk and hood latch cylinders. The Door latches. Finally inject a quick spray into the door locks and insert the key, turning it a few times to spread the lubricant.

Tip 4 – Clean out your vents

Clean out all wall vents if a big freeze is incoming. If your vents are clogged and moisture gets trapped amid debris of any kind it may freeze and cause problems down the line. This may lead to black mould problems or moisture damage. For more tips, read our blog on home air vent cleaning . 

Tip 5 – Clean out the gutters

If your gutters are blocked freezing temperatures may cause an ice or snow build up within the gutters and put them in danger of collapse or block them in a more permanent fashion. Clean out the gutters if you get a chance.

Tip 6 – Get everything into the shed (or secure it if you don’t have one)

Make sure you get any expensive gardening equipment; lawnmowers, strimmers etc. into the shed or out of the elements as best you can. The same goes for tables and chairs. Get anything you don’t want to lose into the shed.

Tip 7 – Stock up on salt or sand

Salt can be a great way to melt snow in your driveway. Sand can also be very useful as it can provide traction on icy paths. Also sand is a little bit more readily purchased in bulk quantities than salt. Dishwater salt is a cheap alternative to gritting salt and usually readily available in most homes.

Tip 8 – Minimise draughts

Ensure any gaps under doors and around windows are covered or sealed as cold air coming from outside can cause pipes to freeze inside your home.

Tip 9 – Look after your pets

Not at all house insurance related but keep the family pets in mind especially if they usually sleep outside as temperatures could drop below zero. Bring them in and keep them in the hallway if possible.

Tip 10 – Protect your water pipes

Water pipes freezing can be an absolute nuisance, leaving you without running water. However if they freeze and burst it could be an absolute disaster! As well as the financial cost of replacing the pipes in your home, your belongings could be damaged.

You can do a number of things to protect your pipes from the elements.

Insulate your pipes using a simple DIY solution and run hot water through them. Make sure you are aware of where the stop tap/stop valve is in your home in case you need to switch the water off at the mains during a big freeze.

Don’t get caught out in the cold snap, prepare your property as best you can. The snow can be enjoyable as opposed to a massive nuisance (and even a financial kick in the teeth!). Make sure you get your home winter ready with the above checklist, and apply caution where you think it’s necessary. Stay tuned to Met Eireann for updates.

To ensure you’re protected in all eventualities why not call us for a quote? Call 01 603 2999 .