British summers can be unpredictable. From sunshine to showers you never quite know what to expect!
Here, AXA shares some tips on how to protect your property in summer. From security tips, to garden hacks – we’ve got you covered.
In this guide:
Preparing your home for summer
It’s one of Britain’s unwritten rules. Whenever there’s a glimmer of summer sunshine, you head outdoors to soak up every second. But before stepping outside to top up your tan, it’s a good idea to ensure your property is in shipshape condition. Here’s how to ensure your home is prepared for the summer months ahead.
Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats can help you be more energy efficient when managing your home’s heating. It can give you more control by allowing you to schedule your heating programme around your daily routine. Fancy keeping the heating off during hot sunny days but having it kick in when it cools down at night? Then getting a programmable thermostat could be for you.
Keep an eye out for signs of subsidence
Subsidence is when the ground supporting your home begins to slide, sink or collapse. This can take some of your building’s foundations with it. It’s a good idea to stay vigilant for tell-tale signs when the weather heats up. Look out for diagonal cracks appearing around windows and doors. Wallpaper crinkling at wall and ceiling joints could be a sign, too. If you think your home is affected by subsidence, get in touch with a surveyor as soon as you can to arrange an inspection.
Ensure your attic is properly insulated
Insulating your attic doesn’t just keep your home warmer in winter, it can keep your house cooler in summer too. A properly insulated loft reduces the transfer of heat from your roof into your attic space and down into your home. This can work wonders against the summer heat. Why not get in touch with a professional to check if your attic is properly insulated? It could save you money by making your property more energy efficient.
Keep your roof in good health
The chilly weather of winter and spring can wreak havoc on your roof. To prevent damage from worsening in the summer months, it’s a good idea to check for signs of wear and tear. Start in your attic by looking for signs of sagging, water rings, dark patches and sun shining through. If you think your roof’s exterior is damaged, get a professional to check for any issues. These would include missing tiles or shingles, chimney cracks and that the flashing around it is still watertight.
Gut your gutters
Leaves and debris can build up in your gutters throughout winter and spring. This is why it’s a good idea to clear them of any blockages so they drain as they should during rainstorms. Make sure the water drains down and away from your property. Get any areas of guttering that are cracked or rusted repaired as quickly as you can.
Check seals on windows and doors
Worn-down seals on windows and doors can let warm air into your home, making your job of keeping things cool even harder. To reduce energy loss and water leaks, seal any air leaks, cracks and gaps around your windows and doors. This will also prevent any unwanted temperature changes.
Trim trees
When the sun is out, you’ll likely be spending more time in your garden, which is why it’s a good idea to keep things tidy. Consider getting a professional to remove dead branches from the trees in your garden. This will prevent them from breaking off during storms and causing damage to your own home or a neighbour’s.
Keep on top of minor repairs
Winter and spring can leave the outside of your home in a sorry state. Keep your home looking its best this summer by giving it some regular TLC. Consider testing and cleaning outdoor light fittings and touching up paintwork. You can also wipe down your windowsills and doors. Give paths and patios a new lease of life with a deep clean and repair or replace broken paving stones to prevent nasty trips and slips.
Keeping your home safe in summer
It can be easy to let your guard down when you’re busy enjoying the fun the sun has to offer. However, this is something opportunistic burglars can take advantage of. Keep the following tips in mind to make your home safe as houses this summer.
Always lock your windows
When the temperature rises it can be tempting to leave your windows open day and night to help cool your home down. But while this might seem like a harmless way to beat the heat, it can leave your home even more vulnerable to theft. Try not to leave windows open when you go to bed on warm nights. Always make sure they’re locked if you decide to opt for a spot of sunbathing in your garden.
Be aware of barbecue safety
Summer may be barbecue season, but before you throw another shrimp on your barbie, it’s important that you know how to use them safely. According to the UK Fire Services Resources, you should keep these golden rules in mind:
- Never use petrol or paraffin to light your barbecue. Only use recognized lighters or starter fuels on cold coals instead.
- Use a flat site for your barbecue that’s up off the ground and a good distance away from sheds, fences, trees and garden.
- Never leave a barbecue unattended and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Don’t drink alcohol if you’re the chief griller in charge of the barbecue.
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or garden hose nearby for emergencies.
- Only dispose of ashes from barbecues when they’re cold to the touch. Hot ashes can melt plastic wheelie bins and cause a fire.
Securing your home for going away
Jetting off to sunnier climes for a well-deserved holiday this summer? Then keeping your home safe and secure while you spend time relaxing by the poolside is likely one of your top priorities. Here are some security measures to put in place before you head off for a week or two, so you can enjoy the fun and laughter of your summer holiday to the fullest.
Check all locks are working
Set aside some time to make sure the windows and doors in your home have the right locks in place. If they look flimsy or faulty, get them replaced. Make sure exterior doors have a minimum of two reliable locks before you set off to the sun.
Ask your neighbours to keep watch
Everybody needs good neighbours when it comes to helping keep your home safe when you’re off on holiday. Before you go, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home. Ask if they can:
- put out your bins for collection
- pick up your post
- feed your pets
- open and close your blinds
- keep an eye out for any suspicious activities.
Just make sure you remember to bring your neighbours back a fridge magnet from your holidays as a thank you!
Make your home look lived in
Making it look like someone’s home when you’re away on holiday is another useful way of putting burglars off from breaking in. It’s a good idea to cancel deliveries so piles of papers, parcels and milk don’t stack up. Why not consider investing in some timer switches for your lights and TV? That way they’ll turn on intermittently throughout the day. This will give the impression someone's home – even when you’re miles away.
Be social media savvy
We get it. When you’re caught up in the excitement of your holiday it can be all too easy to take to social media to show everyone just how great a time you’re having. But it’s wise not to broadcast your holiday plans all over your social media channels. Clued-up thieves may be keeping a look out online working out what homes to target. It might be tempting to upload your photos in the moment, but it's safer to postpone posting those holiday snaps until you’re back home.
Know who to contact in emergencies
Make a checklist of all the emergency contacts you may need to contact. You’ll need them handy in case anything was to go wrong in your home. It could be wise to leave a copy with one of your neighbours for added peace of mind.
