News & Insights

Following the UK's record-breaking summer, attention is beginning to turn towards the colder, wetter months ahead.

Autumn can be a particularly demanding time for our homes. Falling leaves can block gutters, persistent rain can expose weaknesses in roofs and windows, and strong winds can cause damage to gardens and outbuildings.

This year, there's an additional reason to prepare.

According to the Met Office's September 2026 seasonal outlook, the likelihood of a warmer and wetter-than-average autumn is approximately one-and-a-half to two times higher than normal, with an increased likelihood of windy conditions later in the season.

The developing El Niño is one factor contributing to this outlook, although the Met Office makes clear that seasonal forecasts cannot predict exactly when or where severe weather will occur.

For homeowners, now is a sensible time to give the property some attention.

At Peter Best Insurance Services, we understand the importance of looking after your home. Whether you live in a modern property, a period house or somewhere with more unusual features, regular maintenance can help protect it from avoidable damage.

Here are five important checks to consider before the autumn weather takes a turn.

1. Make sure gutters and drains are clear

Gutters perform an important job, directing rainwater away from your property.

However, leaves, moss and other debris can accumulate over time, restricting the flow of water.

When heavy rain arrives, blocked gutters may overflow, causing water to run down external walls or collect around the building.

This can contribute to damp and water ingress, particularly if water repeatedly reaches vulnerable areas.

Before the wetter weather arrives, inspect your gutters, downpipes and drains.

Remove any accumulated debris and check that rainwater can flow freely. Look for signs of previous overflowing, such as staining on brickwork or damp patches beneath guttering.

Clearing gutters and drains as part of regular property maintenance helps prevent damage during adverse weather.

If gutters are difficult to reach, arrange for a suitably qualified professional to carry out the work rather than attempting unsafe access.

A little attention now could help prevent a blockage from causing problems later in the season.

2. Inspect your roof for signs of deterioration

Roofs are exposed to the elements throughout the year, but damaged tiles, deteriorating flashing or ageing roof coverings can become particularly troublesome during prolonged periods of rainfall.

Begin with a visual inspection from ground level.

Look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles, damaged flashing and anything that appears loose or out of place.

If you can safely access your loft, check for damp patches, torn underfelt or daylight appearing through gaps where it shouldn't.

These can indicate areas that require further investigation.

Pay particular attention to flat roofs

Flat roofs can have different maintenance requirements from traditional pitched roofs. Flat felt roofs typically require maintenance and/or renewal every 10 to 15 years, depending on the materials used.

If your property has a flat roof, particularly on an extension, garage or outbuilding, it's worth checking its condition before persistent rainfall arrives.

For period properties or homes with unusual roof construction, use a professional with experience of the relevant materials and building type.

Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself. A qualified roofer or building surveyor can assess areas that are difficult to inspect safely.

3. Look for early signs of water entering your home

Water ingress isn't always immediately obvious.

Sometimes, a problem develops gradually, with the first indication being a small patch of discolouration or an unusual smell.

Before autumn rain becomes more persistent, inspect the areas of your property most vulnerable to moisture.

Pay particular attention to windows, external doors, ceilings and outside-facing walls.

Warning signs can include:

• Damp patches or staining.

• Peeling or bubbling paint.

• Mould or mildew.

• Persistent musty smells.

• Cracks or gaps around windows and doors.

These symptoms can have several causes, including condensation, plumbing leaks and external water ingress.

If you notice anything unusual, it's important to identify the source rather than simply treating the visible symptoms. Check windows and doors for signs of damp and inspect loft spaces for evidence of water entering the building.

Addressing a minor problem early could help prevent moisture from spreading into plasterwork, insulation, flooring and internal furnishings.

For older properties, remember that traditional building materials may require specialist methods of investigation and repair.

4. Prepare your garden and outbuildings for strong winds

It's easy to overlook the garden when preparing your home for autumn, but unsecured outdoor items can cause considerable damage during strong winds.

Garden furniture, bins, ladders, trampolines and large plant pots can all be moved or blown over.

Secure loose objects or move them into a suitable storage area when severe weather is expected.

Take time to inspect fences, gates, sheds and other garden structures.

Look for loose panels, damaged fixings or signs that structures have become unstable.

Nearby trees also deserve attention. Damaged or overhanging branches may present a risk to your home, outbuildings or neighbouring properties.

Where necessary, arrange for professional maintenance. If a tree belongs to someone else, contact its owner.

Check what's covered by your home insurance

ot all outdoor structures and possessions are necessarily covered for storm damage. Storm damage to fences, hedges and gates is generally excluded from standard home insurance policies. Cover for sheds, garages, garden furniture and other outdoor possessions can also vary.

Check your policy documents to understand the protection available, including any limits and exclusions.

If your property has valuable or unusual outbuildings, make sure they have been accurately disclosed to your insurer and that the cover meets your needs.

5. Check where rainwater collects around your property

The next time it rains heavily, take a look at how water drains around your home, provided it's safe to do so.

Does water collect beside external walls?

Are drains clearing properly?

Is rainwater flowing towards the house rather than away from it?

Repeated pooling could indicate blocked drainage or another issue requiring attention.

Areas around external doors, basement entrances and lower sections of the property are particularly worth checking.

If your home is in an area susceptible to flooding, it's also important to understand the risk and prepare accordingly.

Use official flood-risk information and register for available flood warnings.

Consider which valuable possessions, important documents and electrical items you could move upstairs or to a safer location if a warning were issued.

Move valuable or essential possessions to a higher location when flooding is expected, provided it is safe to do so.

Preparing in advance can help you respond more effectively if severe weather threatens your home.

Why property maintenance matters for your home insurance

Regular maintenance is important for keeping your home in good condition, but it can also be relevant when making an insurance claim.

Home insurance generally provides protection against sudden and unexpected events specified in your policy.

It isn't intended to cover ordinary wear and tear, routine maintenance or gradual deterioration.

The distinction can be particularly important when assessing storm damage.

For example, a storm damaging a well-maintained roof is different from rain entering through a roof that has been deteriorating for several years. Insurers consider whether severe weather directly caused the damage or exposed an existing problem that required maintenance.

This doesn't mean a claim will automatically be declined because a property is older or has an existing defect.

Whether damage is covered depends on the individual circumstances, its cause and the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.

However, keeping your property well maintained can help reduce the risk of avoidable damage.

It's also important to make sure your insurer has accurate information about your home, particularly if it has unusual construction, specialist materials or features that could affect the risk.

If you're uncertain about any aspect of your insurance, contact your broker for clarification.

The financial impact of weather-related property damage

The cost of severe weather can be substantial.

According to figures published by the Association of British Insurers in February 2026, insurers paid £1.2 billion in weather-related property claims during 2025, an increase of 14% on the previous year.

Of that total, £758 million related specifically to damage to people's homes and possessions.

While not every weather-related incident can be prevented, identifying and addressing maintenance problems before autumn and winter can help reduce the risk of avoidable damage.

A little preparation can help protect your home

Preparing your property for autumn doesn't need to involve a major project.

Checking your gutters, inspecting your roof, identifying leaks and securing garden furniture are all worthwhile precautions before the wetter weather arrives.

Some issues will require professional attention, particularly where work at height, unusual construction or specialist materials are involved.

Taking time to identify problems early could help prevent more extensive damage and make your home better prepared for the months ahead.

And while you're carrying out those checks, it's also a good opportunity to review your home insurance and make sure the protection you have in place continues to meet your needs.

Protect Your Home, Whatever the Weather

From autumn storms to unexpected damage, having suitable home insurance is an important part of protecting your property. Explore the home insurance options available through Peter Best Insurance Services and get a quote today.