Is your Rental Property Winter Ready?
Published on January 1, 2015 by Sarah Mac
As usual, trying to obtain a consistent outlook on the winter weather forecast for early 2015 is proving a challenge, with newspapers and online channels saying one thing and the Met Office coming up with something contrasting.
Winter is winter though so cold, wet and windy it is likely to be. Precisely why if you haven’t done so already, there are some fundamental things you need to be taking care of in your rental properties to make sure they are able to stand up to the elements and, importantly, to ensure your tenants can stay warm, comfortable and safe.
1. Take Care of Flooding Risks
A survey conducted by British Gas revealed that one in ten people are concerned this winter about the risk of their homes flooding due to burst pipes. Frozen pipes more often than not will burst, so you must take steps to prevent them freezing in the first place.
Any exposed pipes in unheated areas of the property such as in lofts or garages, or those on external walls will throw up risks, so make sure they are well insulated with the appropriate covering. Foam pipe insulation is usually good enough for moderate climates but there are other materials such as thermostatically controlled heating tape that will go the extra mile.
Make sure any garden hoses are disconnected, and insulate any outside taps with an appropriate covering so that they don’t freeze up, expand and create pressure throughout the whole plumbing system.
2. Check Insulation
Around 35 per cent of heat produced escapes through uninsulated walls. So it is vital to check that loft insulation meets current standards. If your property doesn’t have it already, consider cavity wall insulation and before doing so, look into whether you are able to obtain a grant for fitting it. Even if you have solid walls, or a property with three storeys or more, it may be possible to get funding via a Government scheme called the Green Deal.
Double or secondary glazing will also help to insulate a property. Pay attention as well to window frames, skirting boards and wooden floors. Taking time to seal gaps will make a significant difference when it comes to cutting drafts.
Bear in mind that insulating a property will improve its condition and value. It helps tenants save money on energy bills too, making it more attractive as a rental or if you decide to sell.
3. Test Heating Systems
Hopefully you will have heeded the much bandied advice and had your heating system and boiler checked and serviced well before the cold weather set in to ensure your tenants were never left in the cold! If not, get to it – and quick!
Of course you are aware that under the Gas Safety Regulations, you must arrange a periodic inspection (CP12) of any gas installation, appliance or pipework through a Gas Safety Register approved contractor. But further to this, an annual service of the system and boiler is a must to ensure a warm home throughout the colder months.
If you have electric central heating and an electric boiler then don’t overlook a service just because you don’t officially need to have it checked. Arrange for an NICEIC accredited contractor to visit and run checks to ensure it is in full working order and do this at the start of autumn so you have plenty of time to deal with any unexpected issues.
4. Undertake Outdoor Checks & Maintenance
Spend some time having a detailed look at the exterior of your property. Start with the roof, seeking out cracked, loose or missing roof slates or unsafe chimney pots. Any exposed areas on a roof will allow water through leading to the possibility of damaged roof timbers.
Ensure guttering and downpipes are clear and intact. Guttering and pipes are easily blocked with moss, leaves and other debris and can cause all sorts of issues with saturated walls and water ingress. If you spot any running overflows, have those dealt with for the same reasons.
Clear overgrown trees or bushes from behind any pipework as, apart from hiding issues, they can also cause damage. If you are concerned about tree roots interfering with the foundations or damp course of your property, call in a qualified tree surgeon for advice.
Fill any gaps in window or door frames and ensure you deal with any loose or cracked paving which could become a serious hazard under snow or ice.
Now Go Get Ready for Winter!
Forecasts aside, the long and the short of it is that winter will no doubt throw up a few surprises – after all – if one thing is certain, it’s that nothing is predictable about the weather in the UK! Hopefully you’ve found this a useful summary of how you can protect your investment – and your tenants – throughout the colder months.