Five top tips to protect homes against heatwaves

Last week’s heatwave saw temperatures soar to 35°C in parts of the UK, with records broken as the country experienced its hottest day ever recorded in May.¹

With experts warning that the heatwave is unlikely to be an isolated event, the risks to households across the UK have never been greater. ²

From increased fire hazards in gardens to structural damage caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat and dry conditions, the heat can have a serious impact on properties if homeowners are unprepared.

As extreme temperatures become more common in the UK, homeowners who prepare early are far less likely to face avoidable damage or disruption. A few simple checks now can help reduce risk and prevent costly repairs later.

1. Store reflective objects safely

Mirrors and other reflective objects left near windows can intensify sunlight and, in rare cases, generate enough heat to ignite nearby materials.

Keep mirrors, decorative glass ornaments and mirrored trays away from windows and direct sunlight, especially when you’re not at home.

Insurance cover can be affected if insurers believe reasonable precautions were not taken, so it’s important to be mindful of where reflective items are positioned.

2. Keep gardens maintained

During periods of extreme heat, dry grass can become highly flammable, so staying on top of garden maintenance is particularly important. Be cautious when using barbecues especially near dry lawns and plants.

Aim to water your lawn 2 to 3 times a week to help improve drought resistance, and remove any dry garden waste that could easily ignite. 

If damage occurs, insurers may look at whether reasonable steps were taken to reduce risk. It’s worth checking your policy details, as not all policies automatically cover outbuildings such as sheds.

3. Check for any structural damage

Intense temperatures place additional stress onto the structure of houses as sealants, brickwork and wood naturally expand in the heat.

Over prolonged periods of high temperatures, this can lead to cracks and weaken materials over time. Heat-related structural damage can develop gradually, making early signs easy to miss.

Regularly check for signs of cracked sealants, warped wood, roofing wear, and contact a professional to fix any potential issues. Inform your insurer as soon as possible if structural damage is identified.

4. Monitor plumbing and outdoor pipes

Hot weather can put additional stress on pipes as materials expand in high temperatures, leading to issues with external plumbing or reductions in water pressure. 

To help protect pipes during heatwaves, consider installing insulation or tap covers to shield them from direct sunlight or apply reflective, water-based acrylic paint to any exposed metal or PVC pipes. 

If your plumbing issues occur, contact a professional immediately and let your insurance provider know of any damages. If flooding has occurred, move valuable items away from affected areas and take photographs of the damage to support any potential claim.

5. Keep an eye on any compost bins

Intense heat can cause compost bins to warp, crack or even melt. This can increase fire risk and may also attract pests such as rats, mice, flies and ants.

Pest infestations are typically treated as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden event, so they are not usually covered by standard home insurance.

Compost bins can generate heat internally, so position them in shaded areas to reduce exposure to direct sunlight. Turn compost regularly and prevent contents from becoming excessively.

_Sources

<sup>1. BBC
2. Met Office</sup>