Best ways to protect your listed home: Part 2

Below are our main areas to consider, when looking to protect your listed building

Make sure your property is as secure as possible

Any property can be a target for thieves, but the historic features of listed homes often make them more vulnerable to a break-in. Your best course of action is to deter any burglars from making the attempt. Whilst there are different types of listed buildings, the prevention tips below apply to many, if not all.

To avoid people committing a criminal offence against your listed building, we recommend:

Locks and Keys

• Install high-standard locks on all windows and doors, as well as any outside gates if you can. Remember, your locks may need to comply with conservation rules – your local authority can recommend a conservation area officer to give expert advice on this
• Never leave your keys near your door or anywhere someone might be able to reach them through a window or letterbox. Thieves have tools to aid them with this, so we’d recommend a significant distance away is best.

Deterring intruders

• Install security lights (just remember to place them at least one metre away from any thatch you may have and use LED bulbs which give off less heat). Lights activated by movement can deter those looking to burgle your home after dark
• Gravel paths around your listed building will make more noise than concrete paths and could therefore alert you to an intruder, while fences or perimeter walls will restrict access to your listed property
• Make it harder for a thief to climb inside your listed building – store ladders securely in a shed or outbuilding and remember to close all windows when you go out, even if only for a short period of time
• Think about installing a burglar alarm or CCTV – ideally both! Especially if you own anything of high value such as artwork, jewellery, or items of special interest
• Don’t forget to consider any items of value in your grounds which may be easily moved, such as statues, monuments, or gates

When staying away

• If you’re staying away, make sure it looks like someone is at home –leaving your lights on a timer, drawing curtains, and asking any neighbours to check-in can help to protect your listed property, especially when it is of exceptional interest

For more tips to keep your listed building safe, specifically through the summer, please find out more here

Get your listed building ready for all seasons

The impact of adverse weather such as storms or freezing temperatures can be considerable. Repairing the damage can be tricky too, especially if your home is flooded and you need to wait for it to dry out beforehand, or repairs require materials which are in demand and bring with them a long turnaround time between ordering and delivery.

It’s a great idea to check all areas of your property are in a state of good repair prior to any extreme weather forecast. You could do this regularly – we’d suggest the middle of each season. A simple walk around looking for any changes could help protect you in the long run.

With severe storms and extreme temperatures on the rise, the following steps can help your listed building withstand as much damage as possible:

Your roof

• Keep your roof in a good state of repair by having it checked regularly and keep your gutters clear of leaves and debris
• Replace anything broken, such as tiles, flashing, or fence panels and posts as quickly as you can

Adverse weather

• In the event of heavy rain or stormy weather, move what you can inside to your garage or shed, or use protective rain covers
• Keep an eye on any nearby trees. Make sure you have them checked regularly by an expert to confirm they are still sound and clear any dead branches to avoid them falling and causing damage
• Insulate any outside pipes to prevent them freezing and bursting in the colder months, which can cause significant damage
• Inside your home, take care of your central heating system with an annual service for your boiler, regular bleeding of radiators and occasional checks of your stopcock
• If you find any sign of a leak, act quickly and call in a repairman – even for something as simple as a dripping tap
• Don’t forget to check that any pipes or water tanks in your loft are also insulated and if you need to defrost a pipe, use a hair dryer or hot towels to warm an area gently, starting at the furthest point from the tank

Extended periods away from your listed building

• If you know your home will be empty during the colder months, leave the heating on a low setting and ask a neighbour to check your property at regular intervals

Fireproofing your listed building

It’s part of the risk that comes with the privilege of living in a listed property: your home is likely to be a greater fire risk due to the materials it’s made from, especially if you have a thatched roof.

To try to prevent the devastating effects of a fire, make sure you take precautions and always act sensibly.

At Abode, we recommend:

Alarms

• Always make sure functioning smoke detectors are installed in every storey of your listed property
• Consider investing in heat monitoring devices, including stovepipe thermometers for wood burners – especially for thatched properties
• If you live in a large home, you should consider a zoned alarm system with off-site control to enable you to find a fire quickly – speed can make all the difference

Yearly checks

• Make sure your electrics are checked by an expert every year
• Have your chimneys checked and swept regularly, and make sure you’re aware of any stipulations in your insurance about this. If you’re in any doubt about this, a specialist broker will be able to talk you through it

Safety and care

• Use fireguards for open fires and only burn candles in a secure holder. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room
• Keep fire extinguishers and fire blankets in easy-to-reach parts of your listed property, especially the kitchen, and ensure everyone living in your house knows how to use these correctly
• Take care where you place anything that might concentrate the sun’s rays and cause excess heat, such as mirrors or glass objects – this contributes to many unforeseen events
• Always have an escape plan. Make sure everyone inside knows how to get out and always call the fire service before you try to tackle any blaze

Always ask an expert for advice

From gaining listed building consent to taking steps to prevent damage from criminal offences, owner mishaps and weather-induced damage, there will always be an expert available to help.

No matter if your home is Grade I, Grade II or Grade II*, listed buildings have processes – and new developments, renovations and repairs can require notice or approval prior to work being done. Sometimes, work to ensure your home is protected will fall within this bracket.

Your home is, after all, your responsibility and addressing the key areas we have mentioned above will give you the peace of mind that your listed building is as safe as you can make it. But if you’re ever unsure about the steps you’re taking and how effective they are, always ask for specialist advice.

When it comes to home improvements or special architectural changes, local authorities will be able to help you. Historic England is also a great resource for listed building owners.

For advice and guidance on your listed building insurance, our team is ready to help whenever you need guidance or support, and we can recommend the right specialists if you need professional advice on specific parts of your home, such as the electrics, plumbing, chimneys, or thatched roof.

Insuring with a specialist broker means they will be able to not only help you in the case of a claim, but can assist you in making the chance of this happening as small as possible.

To speak to a specialist today about listed building insurance, please contact us, or call us on 01622476433