Warm weather can make home life more enjoyable, but prolonged heat and dry conditions can place extra pressure on your property. Water supplies may be stretched, gardens can become very dry and some building materials may move as the ground loses moisture.
There are also everyday risks to consider, including appliances overheating, accidental fires and damage caused by poorly managed water use. A few sensible checks can help you protect your home and keep the people you love safe.
Check your home before hot weather arrives
Start with a quick inspection of the outside of your property. Look for cracked roof tiles, damaged pointing around brickwork and gaps around doors or windows. Small defects can become more noticeable when materials expand and contract in changing temperatures.
Clear leaves and other debris from gutters and downpipes. Although heavy rain may be less likely during a dry spell, a sudden summer downpour can still overwhelm blocked drainage. Check that water can flow away from the building and that outside drains are not covered or obstructed.
It is also worth checking pipes and outdoor taps for leaks. A leaking tap can waste water and may contribute to damp around walls or foundations. If you spot a leak inside the property, turn off the water supply if it is safe to do so and arrange suitable repairs.
Manage heat inside your home
Keep rooms shaded
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, particularly on windows that receive direct sunlight. Reflective blinds, shutters or temporary window coverings can help reduce the amount of heat entering a room.
Open windows when the outside air is cooler, such as early in the morning or later in the evening. Use window restrictors where appropriate, especially if you have young children or vulnerable people at home. Avoid placing portable fans where they could be knocked over, and keep electrical cables away from walkways.
Look after electrical equipment
Heat can make it harder for electrical equipment to disperse warmth. Keep televisions, computers, chargers and other appliances away from direct sunlight. Leave space around vents and do not cover equipment while it is switched on.
Check that extension leads are suitable for the equipment connected to them. Avoid overloading sockets, and unplug items that are not needed. If an appliance becomes unusually hot, smells of burning or makes an unfamiliar noise, switch it off if it is safe and seek professional advice.
Use water carefully
Dry weather can affect lawns, plants and soil around your home. Follow any local guidance about water use, and focus watering on plants that need it most. Watering in the cooler parts of the day can reduce evaporation.
Do not direct large amounts of water towards the foundations of your home. Rapid or uneven changes in soil moisture can affect some properties, particularly where the ground contains clay. If you notice new or widening cracks, doors that stick or windows that become difficult to open, make a note of the changes and ask a qualified building professional for advice.
Keep water butts and other containers covered where possible. This can help prevent accidents and reduce the chance of them becoming breeding areas for insects. Store hoses neatly so they do not create a trip hazard or become damaged by vehicles and garden equipment.
Reduce the risk of outdoor fires
Dry grass, hedges and garden waste can catch fire more easily in hot conditions. Keep barbecues, fire pits and outdoor heaters well away from buildings, fences, sheds, trees and other combustible materials. Use them on a stable, non-flammable surface and supervise them while they are in use.
Let ash and charcoal cool fully before disposal. Do not pour hot ash into a plastic bin. Keep matches, lighters and fuel for outdoor equipment away from children and sources of heat.
Take care with glass objects, mirrors and bottles left outside. In direct sunlight, some items can focus heat onto dry materials. Store them safely and remove flammable items from areas exposed to strong sunlight.
Take extra care if your home will be empty
If you are going away during hot weather, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on the property. They may be able to spot a leak, storm damage or another issue early. Leave clear instructions for turning off the water and contacting you or a tradesperson.
Check your home insurance documents before travelling. Policies can include conditions about an unoccupied home, security measures, escape of water or notification of changes in circumstances. A policy condition is a requirement that may affect how cover operates. The exact wording varies, so speak to your insurer or broker if anything is unclear.
Review your home insurance details
Hot weather can highlight gaps between what you own and what you think is insured. Check that your contents sum insured, which is the maximum amount listed for belongings, reflects the cost of replacing your household items. Consider higher-value items separately if your policy asks you to identify them.
Keep photographs, receipts and other records for valuable possessions. Store copies somewhere separate from the home if possible. If damage occurs, record what happened, take photographs and contact the relevant insurer or broker promptly. Do not arrange major repairs before checking whether an inspection or approval is needed, unless urgent action is required to prevent further damage.
Home insurance policies differ. Subsidence, storm damage, fire, escape of water and damage to gardens or outbuildings may be treated differently depending on the policy wording, exclusions and excess. An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Read your documents and ask for clarification about any part you do not understand.
A simple hot-weather checklist
- Inspect the roof, brickwork, gutters, drains and outside taps.
- Keep rooms shaded and ventilated at suitable times.
- Give electrical equipment space and keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Use water responsibly and watch for changes around foundations.
- Keep barbecues, heaters and dry garden materials safely separated.
- Arrange checks if your home will be empty.
- Review your policy, contents values, exclusions and excess.
Preparing your home for hot weather does not need to be complicated. Regular checks, careful use of water and sensible fire precautions can help you enjoy the warmer months while giving your household greater peace of mind.