Over the last few weeks, the weather has been at the top of everybody’s minds – and not just because we’re in England! The UK has been experiencing some extremely stormy weather, first with Ciara, then with Dennis, and it is predicted that there is more to come. Of course, storms can cause all sorts of damage to buildings, so if you are a landlord or a homeowner, here are a few things you can do to protect your property against the worst of the weather.
Rain
The main concerns for property owners when there is heavy rain are leaks and floods. You can protect against leaks by clearing out gutters and drains so that they don’t overflow, performing regular maintenance on your roof to fix things like loose tiles, and asking your tenants to alert you right away if they discover a leak – the sooner you fix it, the less of a problem it will be.
If flooding is expected in your area, make sure you stay up to date with Met Office weather warnings, so you can be ready to respond right away. Local councils will issue sandbags to homes in immediate danger, or you can buy some yourself if you want to be prepared. Check out the government website for more information about what to do in the event of a flood.
Wind
Strong wind can cause all sorts of problems – it can tear off roof tiles, or break windows if it is carrying debris. You can prepare your property for wind by making sure that you cut back any trees that are close to your property, as whipping branches or loose sticks could cause all sorts of problems in the wind. If you know a particularly stormy day is coming, ask your tenants to close all windows and doors, and to make sure any garden furniture is brought inside and gates are firmly closed. If the gate is only on a latch, it may need to be tied up to keep it shut.
Snow
Storms can often bring snow, and large amounts of snowfall and sudden drops in temperature can cause damage to buildings. As with rain, you can prepare for snow by ensuring that gutters and drains are free from blockages so that the snow can flow away from the property as soon as it starts to melt. You should also have a professional regularly inspect your roof – snow may not cause a leak or loose tiles, but if there is a lot of it in a short amount of time, the weight of it can cause structural damage. Finally, you should advise your tenants to put the heating on regularly during a cold snap, to prevent water pipes from freezing.
Storms can be a pain to deal with, but being prepared will help you to avoid bigger problems (and higher costs) further down the line.
Do you have a property to rent in Bristol? Contact Gough Quarters today to find out how we can help you.
Cover image by Olivier Lance on Unsplash
