Winter Home Disasters and How to Avoid Them

Disasters at home can occur at any time but they seem to be more common in winter. The mix of low temperatures and wet weather can signify the potential for trouble but there is action you can take to avoid winter home disasters.

If you’re looking forward to a peaceful winter and a stress-free festive season, take a look at these top tips for avoiding winter home disasters now…

1. Frozen pipes

When temperatures plummet, it’s easy for pipes to freeze and this will wreak havoc with your festive plans. Until they defrost, your pipes will effectively be blocked, which means you won’t be able to use sinks, showers, baths or toilets. 

What’s more – freezing tends to cause significant damage to pipes, particularly those made from plastic and PVC. It won’t take much for cracks and breakages to appear, which could easily lead to leaks, flooding and drain collapses.

Keeping your heating on overnight when it’s particularly cold will help to prevent pipes from freezing. Similarly, if you’re going away or out all day, be sure to leave your heating on low so that pipes don’t get too cold. 

2. Roof damage

When stormy weather and gales set in, your roof could be at risk. As well as roof tiles slipping out of place, severe wind could cause them to fly off the roof altogether. Of course, when the integrity of the roof is breached, rain and snow can find its way into your home.

While you may not notice the damage it first, it won’t take long for standing water to start working its way through the attic. When this happens, you may notice staining on bedroom ceilings, mould and water running down upstairs walls. 

However, you can avoid these potential problems by ensuring your roof is in good condition before winter really sets in. Hiring a recommended local roofer to replace a couple of missing tiles now could save you from needing more major repairs further down the line. If you want to have a dry and comfortable holiday season, it’s vital to check your roof is free from your damage. 

3. Portable heaters

If temperatures drop, you might decide to use portable heaters to create a bit of extra warmth. However, it’s important to remember that they can pose a fire risk when used improperly. Never leave portable heaters unattended and certainly don’t risk having them on while you’re asleep. Similarly, you should never place anything over portable heaters, and you should be sure to position them away from children and any pets in the home because they could cause burns if touched. If you’re using fuel-burning heaters, you’ll also need to ensure they’re in a well-ventilated area to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Preventing winter home disasters

Winter can be a fun and cosy time of year, providing you avoid these common mishaps. With the right amount of preparation and forward planning, you can minimise the risk of accidents and enjoy a hassle-free festive season.