Winter is Coming: A Homeowner’s Guide for Property Maintenance and Insurance Claims

As the winter sets in across Ireland, the wind, rain, and cold can take their toll on our homes.


Every year we see the same problems — roofs lifting in storms, pipes bursting in the frost, and gutters overflowing after days of heavy rain.
A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

1. The Common Winter Problems

Storm and Wind Damage
High winds can lift slates, damage chimneys, or knock down trees. Even a small gap in a roof can lead to major water damage if it’s not spotted quickly.

Leaks and Flooding
Blocked gutters or poor drainage can push rainwater inside. Flooding is one of the most expensive types of damage for Irish homeowners.

Burst Pipes
When temperatures drop, frozen water expands and bursts pipes. Once they thaw, water pours out fast — often ruining floors, ceilings, and electrics.

Fire and Heating Risks
We rely on fires, stoves, and heaters during winter. That extra use can expose faults or old wiring that haven’t been tested since last year.

2. Simple Winter Checks

Before the weather turns rough, take a few minutes to:

Check your roof for loose or missing tiles.

Clear gutters and downpipes.

Lag pipes in attics or exposed areas.

Keep a low, steady heat on in cold snaps.

Trim trees near the house.

Review your home insurance so you know exactly what’s covered.

A few small jobs now can prevent a big headache later.

3. If You Suffer Damage

If the worst happens, here’s what to do:

Stay safe first. Don’t take risks with power, structure, or floodwater.

Take photos and videos before cleaning or repairs.

Prevent further loss where possible — turn off the water or secure the area.

Call PDLA.

We’re Property Damage Loss Assessors, based in Laois and Dublin, and we work for homeowners, not insurance companies.
We’ll inspect the damage, prepare your claim, and deal directly with your insurer to make sure you get your full entitlement.

4. Why Homeowners Trust PDLA

Insurance claims can be confusing and time-consuming, especially when you’re already under pressure.
PDLA takes that burden off your shoulders — we handle the paperwork, the inspections, and the negotiation.
Our goal is simple: to get your home restored quickly and properly, with a fair settlement that covers what you’re owed.

5. Call James for Help

If you’ve suffered storm, fire, flood, or water damage, don’t face it alone.
Call James at PDLA for fast, professional help and honest advice.
We’ll guide you through every step and make sure your claim is handled the right way.

📞 Call James today for emergency support or a free assessment.
Serving Laois, Dublin, and surrounding counties — PDLA is here to help when you need it most.

Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

What to Do Immediately After Water Damage in Your Property

By Rachel Bradley • January 8, 2026
New Title

Mindful Merriment: Staying Aware of Household Hazards Throughout the Holidays

By Alastair roe • December 18, 2025
As we enter the height of the Christmas season, the joy of festivities brings with it a unique set of risks to our homes. At Property Damage Loss Assessors , we see a significant rise in insurance claims during December—many of which could be avoided with increased awareness and caution. To ensure your holiday remains stress-free, we have highlighted the key hazards that require your utmost attention this year. Fire Safety: Awareness in the Heart of the Home The combination of dry decorations and increased heat sources makes fire safety a primary concern. High levels of vigilance are required in the following areas: Chimney Fires: With fireplaces working overtime, ensure your chimney has been professionally swept. A buildup of soot or bird nests can lead to devastating chimney fires that spread quickly to the rest of the structure. Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended or near flammable materials like curtains or Christmas trees. Always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Christmas Lights: Check old decorative lights for frayed wires or loose connections. Avoid overloading sockets and always turn off all festive lighting when you leave the house or sleep. Cigarettes: If hosting guests, ensure that smoking materials are disposed of safely in deep ashtrays. Embers in a wastepaper bin are a common cause of late-night house fires. Security Awareness: Preventing Seasonal Burglaries Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a peak time for opportunistic crime. To protect your home from burglaries , keep gifts and high-value items out of sight from windows. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and if you are heading out for a festive event, consider using timer switches on lamps to give the impression that the home is occupied. Escape of Water: Protecting an Empty Property If you are planning to travel to visit family this Christmas, water damage is a major risk that can occur in your absence. A small leak from a frozen or burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage if left running for several days. To prevent catastrophic water damage during a cold snap, remain vigilant against frozen pipes . If you are leaving your property over Christmas, ensure your heating is set to a "frost protection" mode and turn off the water at the mains stopcock to prevent an undetected escape of water . Taking a moment to correctly drain your system can save you from the stress of a major flood and a complex insurance claim. By staying aware of these hazards, you can protect your property and your peace of mind. However, should the unexpected happen, Property Damage Loss Assessors are here to help you navigate your insurance claim and secure the settlement you need to get back on track. Ultimately, Christmas is a time for celebration and making memories with loved ones. By staying mindful of these common hazards and taking small, proactive steps to secure your property, you can ensure your holiday remains joyful and uninterrupted. From all of us at Property Damage Loss Assessors , we wish you a very safe, happy, and hazard-free Christmas season.

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.