Thursday 08 December 2011
Don’t get caught out by the cold - prepare vacant properties for winter
Winter is officially on its way, as daylight hours diminish and temperatures drop, which is why VPS,.jpeg)
The Vacant Property Specialists, are advising landlords that now is the time to prepare vacant properties to protect them before the cold weather sets in.
Last winter’s big freeze was officially the coldest winter on record since records began 100 years ago, with an average UK temperature of -1C, well below the norm of 4.2C. Long range weather forecasters are again predicting harsh conditions this winter.
Nick Tubbs, managing director of VPS, said: “The threat of significant damage to vacant property during winter is very real and can cost thousands of pounds to repair as well as potentially delaying new occupants from moving in. We are encouraging property owners and managers to take action now and follow some simple steps to fight the freeze.”
Darker evenings often result in an increase in crime as the shorter days provide more opportunities for criminals to work under the cover of darkness often leading to a rise in malicious damage and property insurance claims during the winter months.
Tubbs adds: “Many property owners underestimate the catastrophic effect that water damage can have on vacant property. Cold weather can trigger waters systems to freeze and lead to burst pipes causing significant damage and water ingress, resulting in a major clean-up bill costing thousands, sometimes millions of pounds in the case of listed or heritage buildings.”
If you want help preparing your property for winter VPS has prepared a fact sheet with 10 top tips that can be downloaded at www.vpspecialists.co.uk/winter.htm
Property owners or managers or owners who register on the site will also be sent a free ice scrapper.
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