Top tips for protecting your properties against storm damage

The next few months are prone to storms, including flooding, heavy rain and strong winds. So doing all you can to protect buildings from potential damage is crucial for safeguarding your property portolio.

We’ve pulled together a comprehensive manual for ways to reduce this risk and highlight the actions to take if your properties are impacted by a winter storm.

Getting your properties ready

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting against storms.

Preparing when there’s a weather warning

Taking preventative measures for rental properties can be challenging, especially if tenants are in place. Normally you have to give 24-hour’s notice of visits. If severe weather is imminent, time may not be on your side.

Contacting your tenant and explaining the situation may lead to them granting access to the property without delay.

Here’s some ideas on things to do when you see a weather warning (remember to seek tenants’ permission before implementing any change):

• If flooding is likely, provide sandbags to fortify doors where water might enter.
• For high winds, secure loose outdoor items, like garden furniture, or request tenants bring them inside. Ensure windows and doors are closed and securely fastened.
• If severe storms are predicted, consider reinforcing windows with plywood coverings.
• If snow or ice is on the way, visually inspect the property for exposed pipes, loose guttering, and roof damage. It’s a good idea to purchase ground salt to spread over pathways to prevent slipping too.

Check in advance

While emergency preparations may be challenging if tenants are in place, there are things you can check before severe weather strikes:

• Pipes: Inspect all pipes to minimise the risk of water damage. Insulate external pipes and those in unheated areas to prevent freezing in snowy conditions.
• Roofs: Check for existing roof damage, especially broken debris on the ground. Inspect the roof from ground level before and after winter to assess if there’s damage which needs repair.
• Guttering: Ensure guttering is undamaged, as freezing weather can cause cracks. In snowy conditions, check for loose connections due to the weight of snow.
• Windows and doors: Examine the sealant around windows and doors to ensure they are water-tight. Consider purchasing draught excluders to insulate the property.
• Water tanks: If there’s a water tank in the loft, proper insulation should prevent freezing, and so avoid any cracks and leaks. Ensure tenants know the stopcock’s location for emergency water supply shutdown.

What to do if a property is impacted by a winter storm

During extreme weather, stay in close contact with your tenants. In case of flooding, instruct them to turn off gas and electricity.

If winter storm damage requires tenants to vacate, make necessary arrangements. While landlords are not obligated to provide alternative accommodation, they may be responsible if negligence is proven.

Consider adding home emergency cover to your landlord insurance for 24/7 assistance with issues caused by winter storms.

Want your winter storm property management done right? Let’s talk!

LoftyWorks provides outsourced ARLA Level 3 qualified property managers, so if you need an extra hand or two to deal with potential property management or storm damage, we’d be delighted to help.

Please complete the contact us form or drop us an email via sales@loftyworks.com to discuss how we can help.

Want to see other property management guides? Read about Gas Leaks, Mould Prevention, Blocked Drains and more.

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