After so many dreary winter months, spring is finally here at last. While we wait for the daffodils to bloom and the Easter bunny to appear, it’s important to make sure your property is ready.
Whether it’s your primary residence, investment property, or holiday home, don’t fall foul of invalidating your property insurance. Taking a few precautions to get your home ready for spring will ensure minor problems don’t become disasters further down the road.
Reseal window edges
Kick-start your spring cleaning by starting with your home’s windows. Ice during winter can cause window sealant to crack, break, or completely fall away. Before the spring showers start rolling in, reseal the exterior of your windows with a high-quality polymer such as caulk, silicone, or adhesive sealant tape.
Seal off chimney vent
If you have a traditional fireplace, you may need to seal off your chimney. Most people think closing the vent is sufficient for sealing it, but this still enables warm air to escape. It can also allow birds, insects, and other creatures into your home.
Not only will this help with the cost of your utility bills, but it helps to prevent you from needing to file an insurance claim for damage resulting from an improperly sealed chimney.
Seal any access under your house
In the spring, many animals search for nesting areas. If you have unsealed accesses beneath your home, you could be left to deal with torn insulation, broken pipes, and faulty wiring when animals begin looking for a place to call home.
This is why we advise you to check any exterior access that leads to your attic, as well any crawl spaces beneath your home.
Check exterior for roof damage
The last step in prepping your home for spring can be the most important one: check your roof for any exterior damages. If you notice any faulty shingles or other areas of concern, you need to consult a roofing company to have the issue repaired immediately. Any roof damage will quickly develop into a huge problem during a large spring rainstorm.
Here to offer advice and peace of mind
If you are concerned about your insurance cover, or if the winter has taken its toll on your property, give us a call to make sure you have the right cover for your needs. Communication is the key to not falling foul of invalid insurance, we are here to help.
Spring cleaning jobs for your property
Of course, spring cleaning isn’t just about maintenance and chores. There are many ways you can spruce up your home or rental property from the long winter to make the most of the longer and brighter days ahead.
Outdoor lighting
Spring can be a great time to clean your outside light fittings and check that all bulbs are in working order. If any need replacing, consider opting for energy-efficient alternatives to reduce your electricity bill.
Exterior appearance
If you’ve got some spare time, give your home a little bit of TLC. Clean or touch up paintwork, wipe down any uPVC windowsills and doors, re-stain woodwork, and replace door furniture to give your home’s exterior a fresh new look.
Paths and patios
A pressure washer will perform miracles on paths and patios that need bringing back to life. You could also use this opportunity to repair or replace broken flagstones or paving.
Plants and gardens
To brighten up your outside space, consider planting hanging baskets to the front of your home. Not only does it make your garden more appealing, but it can also help to hide any unwanted features, such as drainpipes. Pruning overgrown bushes and shrubs is an easy way to spruce up your home!
Guttering and drains
It can be helpful to clear out any leaves and winter debris that could cause a blockage to prevent any unexpected problems. This small task can prevent unwanted water damage when the April showers roll around!