As the chill of winter descends, everyone from small business owners to farmers to agricultural enthusiasts should consider preparing for the challenges that come with the colder season. That means protecting your home or business from issues that can be exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions.
Here’s why regular property inspections in winter should be top of your to-do list.
Pre-winter inspections: Preparing for the cold.
Before winter digs in, consider carrying out a thorough pre-winter inspection to identify any potential problems. This may involve inspecting your property for any damage that could lead to heat loss or water damage. Look into sealing up cracks and gaps and check for leaks to stop heat from escaping and water getting into your premises.
It’s also a good idea to check if your heating systems – including heaters and fireplaces – are in good working condition by hiring a professional to inspect and clean out the systems. This may avoid unexpected breakdowns during the coldest months of the year. Proper maintenance will likely maximise your comfort levels while also reducing the risk of fire and carbon-monoxide leaks.
Safely clearing gutters and drains is another important step for pre-winter preparations. The removal of built-up leaves, sticks, dirt, and other obstructions may help stop water back-ups that can cause your roof to leak. Regular maintenance of your property’s gutters and drains, particularly in rural parts of Australia that are prone to heavy rainfall and even snowmelt, is important.
Helpful tasks for pre-winter inspections:
- Inspect your property for cracks, gaps and leaks.
- Book in maintenance for your heating systems.
- Safely clear gutters and drains of build-up.
During-winter inspections: Monitoring and maintenance
Once winter is underway, ongoing maintenance is often important to keep your property safe. Consider hiring a professional to trim back surrounding trees to reduce the risk of damage during winter storms, as fallen branches can cause property damage and block access to roads.
It’s also a wise idea to put together an emergency kit stocked with essentials like a flashlight, blankets, first aid kid, non-perishable food and water, phone charger, as well as a battery-powered radio to keep up to date with the latest warnings. Be better prepared for power outages and severe weather events by having essential supplies on hand to see out a storm.
Take this time to also review your WFI insurance cover to see whether or not you’re adequately protected for your farm or business.
Helpful tasks for during-winter inspections:
● Organise for trees to be trimmed and dangerous branches to be removed to reduce the risk of property damage.
● Get your emergency kit together.
● Review your WFI insurance cover and consider whether you’re adequately protected.
Post-winter inspections: Addressing the damage and futureproofing your property.
With winter drawing to a close, it’s a helpful time to assess any damage that may have hit your property during the cold season. Consider carrying out a post-winter inspection to spot any issues that may need to be fixed and reach out to professionals if there are any issues (e.g. electrical issues) that can’t be safely handled on your own.
If you’ve experienced property damage or business losses caused by an insurable event, file a claim with your insurer as soon as possible. A claims process that gets underway quickly could help you recover faster and minimise any disruptions to your livelihood or business.
Helpful tasks for post-winter inspections:
● Inspect your property for any issues.
● Engage a professional for any issues that can’t be safely handed on your own.
Take action today to protect your property tomorrow.
Regular property inspections throughout winter can help you identify any potential hazards and take care of them in a timely manner – ultimately reducing the impact of winter weather on your home, farm, or business.
If you’d like to get a WFI Insurance quote, review your existing policy or update your coverage, call your WFI local rep on 1300 934 934 or visit wfi.com.au.
Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as WFI. This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs (“your personal circumstances”). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations available from wfi.com.au.