Get your home winter-ready

September 10, 2025

The year’s racing by, and before you know it, autumn will be here – with winter close behind. Now’s the time to get your home ready for wild weather, cold snaps and potential disruption.

From frozen pipes to power cuts, a bit of preparation can make all the difference. Use this seasonal checklist to stay warm, safe, and covered – and make sure your home insurance includes the protection you need.

Inside the home: warmth, safety and prevention

Check your home insurance cover

• review your home insurance policy to make sure you’re protected against burst pipes, water damage, and weather-related claims;
• understand your responsibilities – insurers often require you to take reasonable care to prevent damage;

Insulate and seal

• insulate exposed internal and external pipework;
• check loft insulation and make sure it’s up to standard;
• use sealant to fill gaps around window and door frames;
• fit draught excluders under doors and on letterboxes;

Keep your home heated

• maintain an ambient temperature during cold snaps – even if you’re away;
• many home insurance policies require this and may reject claims if the property was left unheated – speak to your insurance provider if you are unsure what your obligations are;
• use a smart thermostat or timer to manage heating remotely;

Service your heating and fireplace

• book a boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer;
• bleed radiators and clean behind them to improve heat flow;
• if you use an open fire or wood burner, arrange for the chimney or flue to be professionally swept;

Test safety alarms and prepare for emergencies

• check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed;
• prepare an emergency kit that includes:
  • torches and spare batteries;
  • wind-up or battery-powered phone charger;
  • bottled water and snacks;
  • warm blankets and sleeping bags;
  • salt or grit for frozen paths;
  • human and pet medicines;
  • pet food;
  • first aid kit;
  • a list of emergency contacts.

Outside the home: secure, sweep and storm-proof

Inspect your roof and gutters

• look for missing, loose, or damaged tiles;
• use binoculars from the ground if you can’t safely access your roof;
• clear out gutters, downpipes and drains to avoid blockages and flooding;
• check that joints are secure, and water is draining freely;

Lag and protect outdoor pipes

• fit lagging or foam covers to outdoor pipes and taps to prevent freezing;
• disconnect and store hoses to avoid splitting;

Secure garden and outdoor features

• tie down or store garden furniture, planters, trampolines and ornaments;
• check fences, gates and sheds – reinforce or repair loose panels and hinges;
• make sure outdoor lighting is working, especially near steps and entrances;

Trim trees and manage overgrowth

• cut back overhanging branches that could fall in high winds or snow;
• consult a tree surgeon if you’re unsure about which limbs are safe to remove;

Keep paths and driveways safe

• sweep regularly to remove leaves, moss and debris;
• stock up on grit, sand or salt to prevent slips during icy spells;
• consider laying anti-slip mats or applying de-icer to heavily used areas;

Thinking ahead: is your home insurance still appropriate?

Winter prep is also a good moment to review whether your home insurance is still a suitable fit for your home. Ask yourself:

• has the value of your home increased?
• have you renovated, extended, or upgraded fixtures?
• are you working from home or storing more valuable equipment?
• do you spend longer periods away from the property?

If any of the above apply, your policy may need adjusting. Speak to your insurance provider to make sure there are no gaps in cover – especially when it comes to seasonal risks.

Don’t leave it too late

Winter weather can arrive faster than you expect. Start your preparations now and you’ll avoid a last-minute scramble – or worse, a winter emergency with no protection in place.

By taking the time to check your home inside and out, you’re not just making it cosier and safer – you’re giving yourself peace of mind, whatever the season brings.

Further reading: Protecting your home for Winter