Many might be looking forward to the cooler weather and some might even think autumn is the best season, especially when they are spending time indoors, dry as a bone.
But a house is actually quite vulnerable to autumn. With cooler weather fast approaching, Malta will experience an increase in rainfall and wind, so it is important to make sure that your home is protected. While you cannot change the weather, there are many ways that you can protect your home.
As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure, so here are some useful tips on how to keep your home safe during the rainy and windy season.
In Malta, it pours, so check and make sure that your roof is ready for the rain. It is very important that you look for cracks on the roof and to check that the waterproofing membrane has been maintained.
Go round your property, making sure that you inspect every wall. Be on the look out for cracks and holes. Larger cracks should be repaired immediately to prevent water from seeping in. You should inspect walls from both inside and outside.
Autumn can be a very rainy season full of heavy storms that can also be harmful to exterior paint, so make sure that if there is any bubbling, peeling or cracking paint, touch up the problem area to prevent further damage.
Check your gutters and drains. These can be easily clogged by dirt and debris, especially during the dry summer months. Clogged gutters can cause overflowing and damage your home. Make sure that you clean all gutters from any debris regularly so that you are safe next time it rains.
Check your downspouts. While it is raining, it is important to see where the downspouts are dumping water. If the water is accumulating less than one metre away from your house, redirect it to prevent water damage to your home.
See to your doors and windows. Make sure that they close and seal properly to leave the rain and cold temperatures outside and make any repairs or improvements as necessary.
Check that your satellite dish, television aerials, solar panels or anything you might have on the roof are fixed securely due to high winds. Also make sure that all outdoor garden furniture is stored away.
Make sure you have a home insurance package that provides comprehensive cover, including cover for loss or damage following lightning, storms or floods, accidental damage to buildings and contents, glass and sanitary fixtures, underground services, alternative accommodation, locks and keys, wedding presents and gifts and for contents in transit.
To obtain a good home insurance, information such as the reconstruction value of the property, excluding the value of land and the full replacement value of all household items, is required.
Home insurance will provide you with the protection and peace of mind you require to safeguard your most precious investment.
Autumn is usually a high-claim season for insurance companies, especially due to the rain.
Since purchasing a property is probably the largest investment during one’s lifetime and a huge financial commitment, it is important that people take all the necessary precautions, in time to protect themselves and their home from potential risk.
The author is deputy manager, Personal Underwriting Department, at GasanMamo Insurance.