By KLTV Newsdesk –
The UK has been hit with heavy snowfall once again, and the Met Office has extended yellow snow and ice warnings into the weekend.
The warning, which covers Northern England and much of Scotland, will come into play from 3 pm on Saturday until 6 am on Sunday.
The affected areas stretch from Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Manchester and continue south of Birmingham.
With Thursday’s snow and winds producing an amber “risk to life” warning, homeowners are urged to avoid travel wherever possible and remain vigilant through to next week.
MyJobQuote’s property expert, Thomas Goodman, is issuing a warning to homeowners on the several ways snow can cause damage to a property.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are at risk of bursting in cold temperatures, which can cause significant damage.
To prevent this, homeowners are advised to ensure their heating system is left to tick over at a reasonable temperature and to inspect pipework regularly to ensure it is well-insulated and in proper working order.
Roof Damage
Heavy snowfall can also cause damage to the roof. A build-up of ice and snow is more severe than it may seem and can add significant weight to a roof that already has structural issues.
Creaking or buckling may be signs of potential collapse. Homeowners are urged to seek professional assistance if they notice any cracks, gaps, or loose tiles where snow could enter their property.
Drainage Difficulty
Debris and water can freeze in gutters and cause ice dams, blocking thawing water from escaping through external pipework.
This puts extra strain on gutters, potentially causing them to crack or break.
Homeowners are advised to clear any icy build-ups in their guttering system as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening.
Garden Problems
Snow can also cause chaos in the garden, flattening foliage, breaking branches, and causing root damage.
Homeowners should inspect their garden area for damage, propping up flattened vegetation gently and being careful not to twist or bend plants too much.
Suppose soil has become saturated with water due to melting snow. In that case, homeowners may need to add a layer of mulch to help absorb excess moisture and avoid walking on the soil.
Flooding
Finally, Melting snow can flood homes, causing damage to walls and flooding basements.
Homeowners are advised to ensure adequate drainage, seal any cracks, and shovel the snow surrounding their property to reduce the risk of flooding.
People must take precautions to prevent snow damage to their properties and remain vigilant in light of the Met Office’s warning.