LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 03/21/12 — Property is your most valuable economic asset, so maintaining it is of the utmost importance. To that end, investing in home and property maintenance is vital, and it pays to spend a little money and time protecting its value. Despite last winter being one of the coldest on record with average temperatures of minus 1 degrees C, according to a recent study by Direct Line Home Insurance, as many as 40% of British homes, and some 19.7 million people, have not made any provision to protect their home this year. This means they could be leaving themselves vulnerable to weather damage.
Undoubtedly, the previous weather conditions of this winter would have convinced people that their homes and properties were safe. However, given that we–ve just experienced the coldest February since 1986, the previous mild conditions can–t be taken as an indicator for the next few months. Also given that the recent Siberian chill followed such a mild winter many homeowners may have been lulled into a false sense of security, and the recent freezing weather may have hit them harder than normal.
Preparation is the key to looking after your home, and everything in it, this winter.
Generally in severe cold weather, frozen pipes and boiler breakdowns seem to be the most common problems, with Direct Line–s research revealing that 31% of people made claims for frozen pipes last year. Being able to call on a team of experienced and skilled will therefore be very important should you encounter any difficulties this winter. Therefore, familiarising yourself with the various organisations that offer emergency plumber services, who can also carry out boiler services and repair, is an excellent idea. Dyno-Rod, Aspect and British Gas all offer a nationwide, 24-hour service that can help you guard against any future problems.
While it seems there will be some respite from the frozen weather, there is a strong possibility that it could once again return. It clearly makes sense to invest now and make sure everything in your home is working correctly, rather than endure the misery of ruptured pipes leading to unwelcome water damage, or a failed boiler meaning leaving you in an unheated house. Should the cold weather return, pipes and boilers will again be vulnerable, so it–s prudent to get them serviced as soon as possible.
Contacts:
Dyno
Sutherland House, Maple Road, SURBITON
Surrey, KT6 4BJ
020 8481 2200
020 8481 2288 (FAX)