How to Winterize Your Holiday Home: A 10-Step Checklist to Avoid Claims
As the temperature drops and the peak holiday season winds down, many second-home owners prepare to leave their properties vacant for the winter. While a "shut and bolt" approach might seem easy, winter is the most common time for significant insurance claims—primarily due to burst pipes and storm damage.
Insurance providers often have specific requirements for unoccupied properties during the winter months. Failing to "winterize" your home properly could not only lead to a devastating mess but could also potentially invalidate your insurance claim.
Follow this 10-step checklist to protect your investment and ensure your getaway stays in top condition for the spring.
1. The "Golden Rule": Drain the System or Keep it Warm
Water damage is the #1 winter threat. Most insurers require you to choose one of two options if the property is empty for more than a few days:
- Drain the system: Turn off the water at the stopcock and drain all taps, toilets, and tanks.
- Maintain a minimum temperature: Keep your central heating on a "frost" setting (usually around 12°C to 15°C) 24/7 to prevent pipes from freezing.
2. Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Winter storms can turn a loose tile into a major leak. Check your roof for missing or cracked slates and ensure your gutters and downpipes are clear of autumn leaves. Blocked gutters can cause water to "back up" under the eaves, leading to damp and rot in the roof timbers.
3. Bleed the Radiators
Trapped air prevents radiators from heating up fully, leaving cold spots in your home. Bleeding your radiators before you leave ensures the heating system works efficiently, maintaining that crucial minimum temperature throughout the entire property.
4. Check Your Lagging
Ensure all pipes in unheated areas—such as lofts, garages, or basements—are properly insulated with high-quality foam lagging. Don't forget the external taps; either drain them or fit an insulated tap jacket.
5. Open Loft Hatches and Internal Doors
To keep your holiday home healthy, you want air to circulate. Leaving internal doors and the loft hatch slightly ajar allows warm air from the heating system to reach the pipes in the attic and prevent "cold pockets" where condensation and ice can form.
6. Service Your Boiler
The last thing you want is for your boiler to fail in the middle of a January freeze. An annual service by a registered engineer (such as Gas Safe in the UK) ensures the system is reliable and may be a requirement of your policy.
7. Unplug Non-Essential Electrics
Electrical fires are a risk in vacant homes. Unplug all non-essential appliances—toasters, TVs, lamps—to protect against power surges. However, do not turn off the mains if your heating system or security alarm relies on electricity.
8. Clear the Garden and Secure Outbuildings
Strong winds can turn garden furniture, trampolines, or loose plant pots into projectiles that can smash windows or patio doors. Store all outdoor furniture in a shed or garage and ensure those outbuildings are securely locked.
9. Check Your "Unoccupancy" Clause
Review your policy at My Holiday Home Insurance. Most specialist policies allow for longer periods of unoccupancy than standard home insurance, but there are still limits (often 30, 45, or 60 days). If your home will be empty longer than your policy allows, you must notify your insurer.
10. The Trusted Keyholder
If you don't live near your holiday home, appoint a local friend or professional caretaker to visit once a week. They can check for signs of leaks, clear post from behind the door (a classic sign of an empty house), and ensure the heating is still running. Many insurers actually mandate a regular inspection in their policy terms.
Summary
Taking a few hours to winterize your property can save you months of stress and thousands of pounds in repairs. By following these steps, you satisfy your insurance requirements and ensure that when you return for your first spring break, your holiday home is exactly as you left it: dry, safe, and ready for relaxation.
Is your holiday home fully protected for the winter?