7 issues that can affect your home. Is my home insured?

Condensation is especially common in winter in the UK, but there are some simple steps you can take to prevent it from forming.

• Keep lids on your pans when cooking, and switch on the extractor fan
• Dry washing outside whenever possible
• Make sure your windows are clean; dirty glass can trap moisture, leading to condensation
• Place draught excluders around windows and doors in winter
• Open a window, or use an extractor fan, when you take a shower to reduce steam build up
• Use a dehumidifier, especially in the bedroom at night and near laundry drying indoors
• Try to keep doors shut
• Set thermostats at the same temperature in each room to reduce fluctuations in heat

Longer-term solutions to prevent further condensation include:

• improving your insulation to keep the temperature inside constantly above the dew point. This is where water vapour condenses and causes damp
• upgrading to more modern double- or even triple-glazed windows and doors to keep the temperature and humidity at a constant level
• increasing ventilation with airbricks in external walls or aeration tiles in the roof. A better airflow can help to prevent condensation from building up
• installing a heat recovery system in rooms that can have high levels of condensation, like bathrooms and kitchens

By taking these steps, you can help to prevent condensation from occurring in your home and avoid expensive repairs.

Regular maintenance of your gutters is key to preventing leaks and stopping damp forming in your home.

Signs of blockages or damage to look out for include:

• water running down the exterior walls of your home
• leaking from pipe joints and junctions
• sagging pipework
• damp forming inside your home

Some measures you can take to prevent guttering leaks include:

• checking for cracks and damage, from up a ladder if possible, or out of upstairs windows
• cutting back overhanging vegetation from plants and trees
• checking for extra debris after a spell of bad weather such as storms or snowfall

Follow these guidelines to help keep the gutters on your home in tip-top condition all year round. And, if you’re not confident about clearing your gutters yourself, consider getting a professional clean carried out.

Read more: why clearing your gutters matters for your home insurance.

Cracks that are caused by natural settlement, thermal movement due to temperature changes, and lack of door and window lintels are usually classed as wear and tear, so are not covered by home insurance.

Cracks in the home can have various causes which aren’t always immediately apparent.

Here’s a quick guide to common types of cracks and what you should do about them.

• Negligible – less than 1mm wide; these are usually cosmetic and can be fixed with a little DIY
• Slight – between 1mm and 5mm; easily fixed with filler or repointing on exterior walls
• Moderate – 5mm to 15mm; these may require professional assessment of any underlying building problems
• Severe – up to 25mm; these can be a sign of structural damage and should be looked at by a professional
• Very severe – any crack above 25mm in width; these can be very serious as they suggest structural movement such as subsidence or issues with the foundations. Always seek professional advice for these types of cracks

Here are some tips to help prevent cracks in your home, maintain its structural integrity and avoid potential damage.

• Maintain consistent humidity levels: if these fluctuate the materials in your home can expand and contract, leading to cracks. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier may help
• Properly seal windows and doors: cracks around them can allow moisture and air to enter your home. This can cause damage and lead to cracks. Properly sealing all windows and doors helps prevent this from happening
• Maintain proper drainage: make sure gutters and downspouts are properly installed and functioning to prevent water from pooling near your home. If moisture builds up near the foundations it can cause cracks and other damage
• Monitor and address foundation issues: if you notice any cracks or shifting, contact a professional to address the issue

By regularly inspecting your home for signs of cracks, you can catch issues early to prevent them from becoming bigger problems later.

A few tips to help prevent subsidence:

• Make sure you maintain your home – repair cracks in walls or foundations, and keep gutters and drains clear
• Don’t plant fast-growing trees or shrubs too close to your home, as they can dry out the soil and lead to ground movement
• Have your home inspected by a qualified surveyor to spot any potential problems early on
• Before you begin any large building work on your property, it's a good idea to have the area checked by a qualified engineer. They can give you the best advice on how to stabilise the ground and stop subsidence from happening

Cracks that form as the result of subsidence or movement are usually covered by home insurance, unless deemed due to negligence, poor maintenance or wear and tear. You may have to pay an excess on any remedial work that has to be carried out.

Some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of a storm damaging your property include:

• checking your pipes and repair any leaks
• having proper insulation fitted
• keeping your gutters and down pipes clear and free flowing
• trimming back overhanging tree branches
• keeping all windows and doors shut
• putting garden furniture away indoors
• parking any vehicles away from the risk of falling trees and tiles

A leaking roof can cause problems with your home's interior, including mould and water damage, which can be expensive to put right. Most home insurance policies will cover the cost of repairs if the damage is caused by a covered risk, such as a storm or severe weather. If the damage is the result of poor maintenance or neglect, though, your insurer may not cover the cost.

Here are a few things you could try to help limit damage if your home floods.

• Lay tiles or waterproof wood downstairs instead of carpet
• Fit water-resistant door and window frames
• Install flood-proof skirting boards, air bricks and self-sealing vents
• Move power points and fuse boxes to at least 1.5 metres above floor level
• Mount your TV to the wall
• Install non-return valves in drains so water doesn’t back up in flash floods
• Keep valuables and important documents upstairs
• Park your car uphill, away from the flood level

If there's a flood alert, here are some steps to take before the waters rise.

• Move outdoor pets indoors
• Put sandbags around door frames
• Turn off electricity, gas and water at the mains
• Take electrical items and rugs upstairs
• Lift curtains over the rail
• Take smaller pieces of furniture upstairs
• Raise large items on bricks or blocks
• Keep important documents in watertight plastic bags (including your insurance details)
• Have a mobile phone and charger upstairs
• Keep a flood kit upstairs with blankets, a torch and bottled water

If your home floods, the National Flood Forum can offer support and advice.