Your home can be your biggest investment, and it is ok to hope nothing ever goes wrong with it. However, your home is exposed to several physical damage risks, including flooding, fires, burglary, etc. Recent UK data shows that approximately 5.2 million properties across the UK are at flooding risk. Unfortunately, these factors can compromise the safety of your property. Consider these 4 great practical ways to protect your property from damage.
By Team Savant
Image: R ARCHITECTURE
1. Protect Against Fire
House fires remain a major concern for most UK homeowners and families, with recent data reporting 62,301 in 2021. They don’t only lead to expensive damage to properties but also risk lives, including those of firefighters. House fires are common and have several causes, including irresponsible behaviours, unintentional negligence, and technology or product defects. While it can be difficult to tell where and when a fire may occur, avoiding leaving your equipment and appliances unattended, ensuring correct electrical work in the home, and preventing negligent smoking habits can keep your home safe.
2. Weather-Proof Your Home
Heavy rainfall can cause your home to flood and expose it to several damages. Fortunately, you can do a few things to prepare your property. For instance, assess your roofing to ensure it is in good condition by looking out for old or worn-out shingles. Keeping your gutters clean and ensuring downspouts direct water away from your property can also be useful. Properly grade the lawn away from the home and remove accumulated snow from your roof after each storm. This is very important for preventing your pipes outside from freezing, especially when you live in a colder climate area.
3. Proper Property Maintenance
Staying on top of home maintenance is arguably the best way to prevent property damage. It may include immediately addressing potential damage signs, touching up on your inside and outside painting and checking for loose boards and pests in your loft space.
Also, trim bushes and trees that could potentially harm your house. For example, tree roots growing around the property foundation can cause cracks in your walls. It is okay to remove trees that are too close to your property. However, even the most effective techniques may leave some roots, stumps or logs buried in the soil of your building foundation. This is why some experts recommend site grubbing to protect your home foundation. You can refer to this article to learn more.
4. Theft-Proof Your Home
According to statistics, there is a burglary every 106 seconds in the UK. Security experts suggest that the things you put in visible areas of your home can encourage or discourage a break-in. Consequently, it can be useful to consider preventative measures to beef up your security. Consider installing a good lighting system around your home to deter thieves and unwelcome strangers. In addition, ensure to replace any burned-out bulbs and install light cages around them. It is also best to use heavy-duty locks to secure your doors and windows.
Indeed, you don’t have total control over all the risks your home is exposed to. But the above are a few ways you can secure your property from damage and ensure the safety of your family and household.