Brits neglecting roof repair, outdoor pipes and windows

With warmer and drier weather having reached much of the UK, many homeowners are springing back into action with some seasonal home maintenance - but the latest research from Go.Compare Home Insurance shows that not everyone is dusting off the home and garden tools.

The comparison site’s survey of 2,000 people across the UK found that nearly three in ten (29%) haven’t or don’t plan to do any home or garden maintenance ahead of the spring/summer months.*

39% of those aged 45-54 said they haven't or don’t plan to do this,** making this age group the least likely to get any spring/summer maintenance done.*

Meanwhile, 25-34-year-olds are most likely to be budding DIY-ers, with only 21% saying they haven't done / don’t plan to do anything ahead of the spring/summer months.*

According to the research, the most popular home maintenance task is trimming back trees and foliage, which over a third of people have done, or plan to do in the warmer seasons. Cleaning soft furnishings (26%) and clearing out the guttering (22%) are also on many people’s to-do lists.

Meanwhile, certain jobs are being neglected more than others - such as checking and making repairs to the roof, which only one in ten (10%) have done or plan to do. Other important tasks like checking and repairing outdoor pipes, windows and doors are also among the most likely to be overlooked.

Nathan Blackler, spokesperson for Go.Compare Home insurance said: “Regular home maintenance is really important, as when issues are left alone rather than resolved quickly they can become bigger over time. For instance, you might not notice a small issue with your roof in spring or summer when the weather is milder, but if left until winter, the cold and wet weather could mean you have a larger and more expensive issue on your hands.

“Additionally, your home insurance provider will expect a certain level of upkeep with your house and garden. If you aren’t keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs when needed and something goes wrong, there is a chance that they could reject a claim on your home insurance.

“To make sure you’re staying on top of things, some key items we recommend putting on your spring home maintenance checklist are:

• Check the state of your roof - and if repairs are needed, get them done as soon as you’re able.
• Clean gutters and drain covers - remove any leaves and built-up dirt to make sure you don’t have any issues with your drainage.
• Check your chimney - if you have a chimney, check to make sure it’s clear and consider having a chimney cowl fitted to stop birds getting stuck or nesting.
• Inspect your brickwork - check for any cracks or damage caused by cold weather over the winter.
• Look at windows and doors - make sure all entryways are secure and leak-free, and make sure paintwork doesn’t need refreshing.
• Secure aerials and satellite dishes - check for any loosened fittings and tighten fixtures where needed.
• Prune trees and shrubs - check for any winter damage on trees and plants and prune it before it becomes an issue.”

For more advice on home maintenance, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/household-tips/home-maintenance/.

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