Does your listed building insurance work for you?
When winter sets in, your home is often the place you really want to be. Creating a home that is in good working order can help you enjoy the colder months easily and comfortably. Keeping your listed property in good condition can also have a positive impact on your listed building insurance.
If you own a Grade I, II*, or II listed property, you will need specialist listed building insurance. This will protect your property’s special architectural or historic features at a high level. Keep your buildings of special interest in a good state of repair as this helps mitigate the risk of damage, and wear and tear in your home.
House insurance for listed buildings: Clear out gutters and drains
Blocked gutters can cause flooding, leaks, water damage, and rotting woodwork. Check for debris which may have blocked your guttering and drains. Make sure water is not running down your outside walls behind the gutters, and check the fixings and brackets are secure.
Check water from gutters drains away and doesn’t create puddles which can erode and damage outside areas. Maintaining gutters and drains is important if you own unoccupied property. Clearing them can help reduce the risk of leaks and escape of water. If your policy includes ‘accidental damage covered’ you may be able to recoup financial losses around ‘escape of water’.
Roof Maintenance and Repairs
If your home has a thatched roof, ask your thatcher to check for any rot or decay on the structural support beams. Check the thatch, gables and ridge for birds, rodents, decay, mould, and thatch slippage. Inspect your gutters for any signs of debris connected to a damaged roof.
For listed properties with slate or tile roofs, we advise an inspection before and after winter. Replace loose or missing tiles and slate and repair any holes. Get the help of a roofing specialist who can help you maintain your roof in-keeping with the unique character of your home.
Where is the best place to put security lights?
Install security lights at your front entrance, back door, and dark areas in your garden, including pathways. Extra lighting can deter burglars who prefer to operate in darker areas.
Can I sweep my chimney myself?
Check and clear your chimney every year. Failure to do so can affect your listed building insurance policy. A professional chimney sweep will clear any tar, soot, creosote, debris, trapped birds, nests, or animals.
Cleaning your chimney and fireplace regularly will prevent brickwork and stainless-steel liners from leaking potentially fatal carbon monoxide. If you fail to keep your chimney and fireplace in good working order, your home insurance might not cover you.
Helpful tip:
Check your chimney during the summer months when chimney technicians are less busy. Winter weather can also be harder for chimney technicians to work in.
How often should you test smoke detectors in the UK?
It is crucial to test your smoke and carbon detector alarms in the lead up to winter. As you use your heating, fireplace, or wood burner, the risk of fire or carbon monoxide emissions is higher. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can help save your life. Be aware however, that cheap isn’t cheerful when you are choosing your alarms.
Install alarms that conform to standard BS EN 50291 and feature the BSi Kitemark1 and test them regularly. Buy fire extinguishers from a reputable manufacturer and ensure you know how to operate them
There’s no smoke without fire
It’s crucial to test your smoke and carbon detector alarms in the lead up to deep winter. As you use your heating, fireplace or wood burner, the risk of fire or carbon monoxide emissions (known as the “silent killer” as it’s odourless, colourless and tasteless) is higher. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. In the case of these two detectors, cheap isn’t cheerful. Make sure you install good quality alarms which conform to BS EN 50291 and feature the BSi Kitemark1. Test them regularly. Buy at least one or two fire extinguishers from a reputable manufacturer. Know how to use them in case of a fire.
If you have a garden, late autumn is a great time to tidy it up ready for the winter months ahead.
- Cut your lawn for the last time before the onset of winter, to keep it tidy. Sweep, rake and dispose of autumn leaves which can be slippery after rain and frost.
- When the leaves turn from green to amber, cut back and prune trees and shrubs ready for next spring. Pay close attention to clearing tree branches near your roof, windows, and power lines.
- Tidying the gardenLate autumn is a great time to tidy the garden, ready for the winter months ahead.
· Cut your lawn for the last time before the onset of winter. Collect any compacted leaves which could turn into slip hazards if they become wet or frozen.
· When leaves turn from green to amber, cut back and prune trees and shrubs ready for next spring. Pay close attention to clearing tree branches near your roof, windows, and power lines.
· Repair cracks or damage to your driveway, paths, and steps. This will stand you in good stead in icy conditions or when we have snow. Pay attention to loose bricks and stones which could cause trips and falls. Scrape away moss from steps and paths which could be a slip hazard.
· Secure your fencing and gates. Repair or replace any damaged posts and fittings and anchor them firmly in the ground.
Specialised Coverage
Listed building insurance can cover the unique requirements of maintaining and repairing a historic property. It ensures that any restoration work uses appropriate materials and techniques, preserving the building’s heritage.
If you are looking for listed building insurance, or thatched property insurance, please get in touch. For more information on your current policy, don’t hesitate to talk to our team of experts.
Lloyd & Whyte Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 03686765. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA. Calls may be recorded for use in quality management, training and customer support.