NAOMI CAINE

As the leaves – and the temperatures – fall it’s time to prepare your home for winter. The colder months take a toll on our properties and insurers receive more calls about weather-related damage between November and February than at any other time. The shorter days also make it easier for burglars to strike under cover of darkness. David Ross, director of communications at the Chartered Insurance Institute, says: “As winter draws in and the days get shorter, your home is at greater risk of burglary and cold weather damage. It’s worth taking a little time now to get your house fully prepared to prevent any avoidable damage.

So here are the Herald’s top tips on how to get your home ready for winter.

*Look after your pipes. Pipes are much more likely to burst during the cold weather, especially if your home is empty and the heating is turned off. It’s therefore important to insulate your pipes to protect against the cold. The water tank should also be lagged. If you’re going away, program the central heating to come on for a few hours each day. Experts also suggest that you shut off the outside taps and drain any standing water to avoid a burst pipe.

*Check your roof. A storm can dislodge loose roof tiles and you could end up with a leak. So now’s the time to replace any broken or missing tiles and slates and repair any other damage. Remember, too, that flat roofs generally need re-covering every five to ten years.

Cut back trees. If you prune trees that are close to your house, they are less likely to cause damage in a storm.

*Clean your gutters. Leaves and other debris that drop into gutters can block pipes and drains, causing them to flood. You might also want to consider investing in gutter leaf guards to help prevent blockages in the future.

*Sweep the chimney. If you have a real fire, the chimney should be swept every winter to remove dirt and grime from the chimney walls. It can also help prevent a chimney fire.

*Service the boiler. Boiler breakdowns are common during the winter months. No one wants to wake up to a freezing house, so get the boiler serviced now before the cold weather really sets in.

*Block draughts. Chilly breezes can blow into your home through spaces around the doors, windows and the loft hatch. You should therefore plug any gaps and close blinds and curtains to keep in the warmth.

*Bleed the radiators. By releasing the trapped air in the radiators, your heating will run much more efficiently. You could also put some kitchen foil behind your radiators to reflect heat back into the room.

*Prepare for an emergency. Find your stopcock so you can turn off the water if there is a burst pipe. Also, put together a kit in case of a power cut. You will need candles, matches and a torch.

Keep your home secure. Police have more reports of burglary in November than in any other month so security should be a top priority. Make sure the locks on your doors and windows are in full working order and consider fitting security lights to deter burglars. You might also want to install a burglar alarm.

*Dig out your insurance documents. You probably already have home insurance in place, but it might be worth reading the small print of your policy to make sure you are covered for any winter emergencies. You might also want to think about switching to a better deal. Home insurance premiums are at a five-year low according to the AA. The average combined building and contents cover is now £149.30, down 6.3per cent over the year – little more than when the AA’s index started in 1994. However, premiums are not expected to continue their downward slide. Janet Connor, managing director of AA Insurance, says: “Some weather forecasters suggest that the coming winter could be particularly harsh, which accordingly would bring severe weather claims. If that happens, then equally sharp home premium increases can be expected.”