As we come to the end of a cold, dark, snow-filled winter most of us look forward to the sights of the spring. But with the warmer months also comes the potential for heavy rains, which can lead to property damage.

So, what can a homeowner do to help avoid the irritation and expense of cleaning up after leaky roofs and flooded homes?

Maintain your gutters: If your gutter isn’t functioning properly this will lead to trouble inside your home. It starts with cleaning your gutters of leaves and debris at least once a year. But if your gutter is damaged or leaky and you don’t want to buy and install a new gutter, you can patch it.

Beware of mould: If water has led to mould, tackle it right away. It doesn’t smell good, rots wood and can make you feel nauseous. It’s also bad for the value of your home. So, if your senses detect a musty odour, check for mould on damp carpets, walls and other damp areas. Clean up these invasions right away before they get worse.

How to remove mold:

• Fill a bucket with water and some mild detergent, such as washing up liquid
• Use an appropriate cloth dipped in the soapy water to carefully wipe the mold off the wall. Be careful not to brush it, as this can release mold spores
• When you've finished, use a dry cloth or clump of kitchen roll to remove the moisture from the wall
• Throw the cloth/tissue away

Know your policy: When it comes to water damage to your home, it’s important to understand the difference between what’s covered and what isn’t under your household insurance policy. It’s covered if the damage is from water entering from a covered loss such as lightning or a rainstorm. However, damage from a flood, surface or back-up of sewers or drains is generally not covered. Making simple fixes can save you from a lingering problem and costly repairs down the road. But never put yourself in a dangerous position.

Despite regular, risk checks, if the worst does happen we are here to advise should the time come to claim for damages. If you would like to discuss an insurance claim, or require any other guidance please contact the team on 01905 428848 where you will find someone happy to assist your situation.