Residential Properties Weather-Related Property Damage - Aviva Loss Prevention Standards - V1.0

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To view our Loss Prevention Standard that supports this checklist please view the following link: https://broker.aviva.co.uk/documents/view/aviva_residential_properties_weather-related_property_damage_lps.pdf

Property Protection

1. Are the buildings situated in an exposed location which is prone to windstorm? Have there been any previous instances of high winds, heavy rain, snow or hail causing damage to the property?
2. Are regular inspections, maintenance and repairs made to the property? Is the property in good condition?
3. Ahead of any expected high winds, is the flashing around the edge of the building perimeter usually checked? To facilitate immediate minor repairs, do you have a supply of threaded nails with flat washers available? For anything other than small repairs, has a roofing specialist been contacted to conduct emergency repairs?
4. Have any missing or damaged roof tiles been replaced?
5. Are all flat roofs in good condition and well maintained? Are weatherproofing materials free from cracks and loose joints? Are the roofs free from vegetation/debris and kept clean? Are the roofs free from ponding?
6. Are all roof-mounted structures, such as chimneysor parapets in good condition?
7. Is brickwork pointing to an appropriate standard?
8. Have any missing or damaged guttering or downspouts been replaced or repaired?
9. Are all gutters inspected regularly and cleared of leaves, moss. vegetation and other debris?
10. Is the condition of roofs and guttering checked following: • Strong winds? • Heavy rains? • Snow/ice? • Hail?
11. Are roof or wait mounted objects such as TV aerials, solar panels and satellite dishes appropriately secured? From the ground, have you observed how they behave in strong winds?
12. If present, are solar panel systems inspected? Are these maintained and cleaned regularly? Are they secure? Is there any accumulation of leaves/debris around or below the panels which may have an adverse effect on performance or drainage?
13. Are all glazing elements and window frames in good condition? Are these sealed to prevent water ingress? Are these secured to prevent wind damage?
14. Are glazed elements, including skylights, impact-resistant? If not, and if they are vulnerable to impact, are plywood and appropriate fixings available to be fixed to them to act as protection in high winds?
15. Have precautions been taken against wind-driven min through any external openings, such as • Doors? • Under and around sliding doors? • Windows? • Louvres? • Air bricks?
16. Are doors. door frames and associated locks: • Well maintained? • Secured to prevent movement in high winds? • Sealed to prevent water ingress in driving rain? • Operating effectively? • Suitably lubricated to prevent freezing?
17. Are all openings, windows and doors protected and sealed to prevent water ingress at all levels of the building, consider: • Basement levels • Upper levels • Levels adjacent to gutter valleys/troughs or flat roofs This includes any flood water from rising water levels or surface water accumulations and run-off.
18. Where a building has a conservatory or a glass-roofed gazebo or canopy, etc. is this structure protected against • Objects falling from the main building roof such as tiles? • Impact from objects and items lifted by high winds? • Snow accumulations or drifting? • Large snow and ice deposits falling from the main building roof?
19. Are there any trees shrubs or utility poles taller than the horizontal distance they are from the building? Are these well maintained and in good condition? Are there any issues requiring attention such as overhanging branches, fractured limbs, etc.? Are the trees appropriately pruned to remove dead or damaged limbs, etc.?
20. Have gates and boundary walls been considered? Are gates and posts in good condition? Are gates and posts secure? Can gates be effectively secured in the closed position? Are boundary walls in good condition and maintained? o Is there a collapse risk in high wind? o Are there any features such as statues/large planted pots that may be blown off in high winds?
21. Are all fence posts, panels and fence sections in good condition? Are there any loose posts or panels? o Have these been suitably fixed? Have any other necessary repairs been carried out?
22. Have all external objects which could potentially be lifted/moved by high winds been identified such as: • Stored items and materials? • Bins? • Outdoor furniture? • Sheds? • Trampolines? Have appropriate precautions been taken to prevent these objects from being lifted/moved by high winds and causing damage? Have mobile objects been moved to secure areas or securely fixed to the ground?
23. Have any external service; connections, utilities, equipment been protected against impact damage?
24. Are external structures such as carports and storage sheds in good condition/maintained and are they secure?
25. Are all water tanks and water carrying pipes in good condition with no signs of leakage or cracks?
26. Are all water pipes fully lagged including loft spaces?
27. Are all water tanks fully lagged on all sides and over the top? Note: Not the underside or below the tanks
28. Are any tank or cistern overflows passing water ahead of cold weather periods? If so, these should be investigated and repaired - ball valves should be repaired. Dripping water could freeze forming an ice plug and causing a tank/cistern to overflow.
29. Have any dripping taps been repaired?
30. Is the central heating boiler regularly maintained and serviced?
31. Can heating of the property be maintained constantly at a suitable low-level temperature throughout to prevent freezing?
32. Is the location of the mains water stopcock isolation valve known? Is it readily accessible? Can it be turned/exercised easily? Do you understand what to do in the event of an escape of water emergency in your residence?
33. In the event of the property being left empty for an extended period: • Have the heating controls been set accordingly to maintain a low constant temperature to prevent freezing? • Has the domestic water supply been isolated?
34. Have you referred to the relevant government and local authority websites and helplines regarding flood risks to your property/location? Have you signed-up to receive flood and/or weather warnings if available? Have there been any instances of flood in the past?
35. Have you considered the following: • Flooding from a water course or body of water? • Flash or surface water flooding?
36. If you are in a flood risk area, have you tried to move valuable or essential items upstairs or to a higher level?
37. Are drains and manhole covers in place and secured?
38. Are the public highway located storm drains identified, cleared and clean?
39. Have you liaised with your neighbours to ensure they have clear drainage channels?
40. Have you prepared a simple 'bad weather/flood' emergency response plan? Do you know what to do? Do you know who to contact?
41. If appropriate, and you are flood exposed, do you have sandbags or more specifically engineered flood resilience products available? Do you have a plan of how and when to deploy these?
42. Do you have emergency contact numbers to hand in a safe place, for organisations such as • Your insurer/broker? • Local Authority? • Utility companies? • Plumber? • Electrician? • General property maintenance provider? • Locksmith?

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This document contains general information and guidance only and may be superseded and/or subject to amendment without further notice. Aviva has no liability to any third parties arising out of ARMS' communications whatsoever (including Loss Prevention Standards), and nor shall any third party rely on them. Other than liability which cannot be excluded by law, Aviva shall not be liable to any person for any indirect, special, consequential or other losses or damages of whatsoever kind arising out of access to, or use of, or reliance on anything contained in ARMS' communications. The document may not cover every risk, exposure or hazard that may arise and Aviva recommend that you obtain specific advice relevant to the circumstances.