As summer fades, a few simple checks can help you spot problems early and avoid damage later on. It’s a good time to ask a qualified roofer to inspect your roof, clear gutters and drains, test your heating, check your boiler and check your home insurance still matches the way you use your home.
Ask a qualified roofer to inspect your roof
After the summer months, it’s worth getting a qualified roofer to look for signs of wear and tear, damage or other issues before heavier rain arrives. Severe weather can expose problems that may lead to water getting in, internal staining or further damage to your home. If a roof problem has been building for a while, autumn is often when it starts to show.
Regularly checking and maintaining the outside of your home can help you spot problems before they get worse. Your policy doesn’t cover damage caused by problems that haven’t been properly looked after, so it’s worth dealing with any issues as soon as you spot them.
For your safety, don’t try to carry out roof maintenance yourself. Always use a qualified roofing professional with the right experience and public liability insurance in place, so you’re protected if anything goes wrong while the work is being carried out.
Clear gutters and drains before the leaves build up
All sorts of things, like leaves, moss and dirt, can stop rainwater from draining away properly. When gutters or drains are blocked, water can overflow and run down the outside of your home. Over time, that can lead to damp, staining and damage to walls and brickwork. A quick clear-out can make a real difference before the wetter months begin. It helps rainwater move away from your property properly, rather than backing up and causing avoidable problems.
Get your heating ready for colder evenings
Autumn often brings the first chilly nights of the year, so it makes sense to check your heating before you really need it. Test your boiler, bleed your radiators if they need it, and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. It’s also worth checking when your boiler was last serviced by a qualified professional. Most policies require your boiler to be serviced regularly. If you have a Policy Expert home insurance policy with boiler cover, it needs to be serviced every 15 months.
Watch the forecast and secure anything loose outside
The weather can change quickly at this time of year. Strong winds and heavy rain can arrive without much warning, so keep an eye on the forecast. Bring in or secure anything that could blow over or get damaged, such as garden furniture, parasols and trampolines. It’s a simple step, but it can help you avoid preventable damage once the weather turns.
Check your home insurance
If you’ve made improvements, bought valuable items or changed how you use your home, it’s a good idea to check that your insurance still reflects that. This is also a sensible time to review your policy documents so you know what’s covered and whether anything needs updating. If you’re a Policy Expert customer, log in to your Customer Account to check your documents.
