Pictured: Dawn Clarke

A leading local letting agent is urging renters and homeowners to be prepared and make sure their properties are protected against the big winter freeze. 

More than three million homes across the UK were damaged during last winter's cold snap, and with temperatures set to plummet again over the coming months, Shropshire-based Nock Deighton is reminding residents across the county of the simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes.

"The possibility of damage to property always increases during the winter months, due to heavy snow fall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures," Dawn Clarke, Director and Head of Lettings and Property Management at Nock Deighton, commented. "Frozen and burst pipes, leading to flooding and damp, are the most common cause of damage, but this threat can be minimised by leaving heating on at low levels. It's also advisable to make sure any leaves or debris are cleared from outside guttering to ensure that down pipes don't become blocked."

Dawn also recommends residents familiarise themselves with where their stop valve is, just in case they need to turn off the mains water, while they should also have their boilers regularly serviced, and check to make sure their home insurance policy includes cover for flooding and storm damage.

"Tenants living in rented accommodation should also pay particular attention to their tenancy agreement, which in most cases will require them to take adequate steps to prevent frozen pipes," Dawn, who is also the Shropshire and Staffordshire Regional Representative of professional body ARLA (The Association of Residential Letting Agents), explained. "If the property is likely to be empty for a period of time, for example, over Christmas and New Year, tenants should turn off water at the mains and leave the central heating on a timer at a low level to save pipes from freezing. It's also essential they close all windows, lock all doors, and fully secure the property before leaving."

Founded in 1831, Nock Deighton is one of the Midlands' most well-established and respected firms of estate agents, lettings agents, chartered surveyors, block management agents, and auctioneers. The company stands at the forefront of the modern property sector by embracing up-to-the-minute technology and industry best practice, and has a firm focus on achieving the very best results through a full range of specialist property-related services and dedicated staff.