Eco friendly homes at risk from burst pipes

Arctic weather is bringing in a flood of burst pipe claims to large rural insurer NFU Mutual. Claims manager Richard Pilkington says the longest period of sub zero temperatures for many years is causing an alarming number of water damage claims in homes across the country.

"We are finding that people who have ‘gone green' and fitted extra insulation in their lofts are particularly vulnerable as they are at greater risk of damage to pipes and tanks in their roof spaces.

Richard goes on to explain, "When pipes rest above the insulation they become exposed to the cold and this is why they're freezing. To protect against this it's vital to install extra insulation around pipes and tanks

"The damage from burst pipes can be horrendous - especially if the burst happens when the house is unoccupied and the owners return to find collapsed ceilings, and their furniture, electrical goods, and personal possessions ruined. It is sensible to turn off any unnecessary water supply when a property is unoccupied.

"Country properties tend to be particularly vulnerable to storm and freeze damage. They are often in isolated locations where they are exposed to the full force of the elements, and unlike urban properties they rarely have other buildings around them to provide a degree of protection from the worst of the winter weather."

Icy conditions have also led to a spate of car accidents on untreated country roads. Richard points to NFU Mutual's Chester branch as an example.

"Today alone we have received claims for 25 instances of burst pipes and 15 motor claims as a result of icy roads."