Protect your home from top to bottom

Top to bottom used to mean from roof to floor, but for many of us, the top of our homes now also include solar panels.

If you’ve installed solar panels, then you’ve already made a substantial investment, but have you insured them? Just like geysers, solar panels are not automatically covered under buildings insurance and must be specified on your policy. In addition, like your geyser, solar panels require regular maintenance.

With this in mind, we thought this an ideal time to chat about preparing your home for winter. Below are 10 quick tips for a hassle-free winter at home.

1. Get buildings insurance — if you already have it, make sure that your cover is correct and up to date, and make sure to add your solar panels to your policy. If you don’t have please click here to get a quote:

2. Inspect your roof — make sure there are no loose, missing or cracked tiles. This is often overlooked by our clients who are disappointed when it comes to claiming. Don’t let it happen to you. Regular maintenance of your roof is critical.

3. Don’t forget the solar panels — while you’re on the roof, make sure your solar panels are clean and free from debris. It’s best to get an expert in to check and clean these with the right equipment.

4. Clean the gutters —falling autumn leaves can easily block gutters so ensure that these are kept free from debris. If there is heavy rain, and your gutters are blocked, excessive water can result in damp and mould on your walls.

5. Fell those trees — large trees, especially those next to your house or exterior walls, can cause massive damage if they fall. So get a tree feller in to prevent falling branches from damaging your home.

6. Check the geyser — geysers take extra strain in winter and are more prone to bursting. So get an expert in to check your geyser before the cold weather sets in. A geyser blanket is also a great investment as it can drastically reduce power consumption and costs.

7. Insulate to save power — now’s the time to check that cracked windows are fixed, and that all your windows, skylights and doors are properly sealed. If the putty or silicone around your window panes is damaged, it’s definitely worth replacing.

8. Draught proof your home — avoid annoying draughts from exterior doors with a door sweep or rubber strips.

9. Fix faulty wiring — get an electrician to inspect the wiring in your home to avoid electric shocks and fires. And always supervise children and pets around space heaters and all other heating sources.

10. Safety first — if you have gas heaters, make sure to get them professionally inspected at least once a year (now would be good time) and if you have a fireplace make sure to only use firewood inside, as things like cardboard boxes can let off dangerous toxins. Also get a professional to check your fireplace before you start using it this winter.

Winter may be a couple of monthsaway, but the weather in South Africa tends to change overnight, so the earlier you prepare the better. To find out more about Dialdirect buildings insurance, take a look here.

Dialdirect is a licensed non-life insurer and Financial Services Provider. Terms and Conditions online.