Energy firm British Gas has warned households across the UK affected by snow – as the country braces for a 43-hour snowstorm.
The energy firm has year-round advice available to customers on ‘how to prepare for heavy snow’ which could be handy this week after the Met Office issued three separate yellow weather warnings for snow spanning 3pm today until 10am Wednesday.
The forecasters have warned that much of England, Scotland and Wales, particularly the northern areas, will see freezing cold temperatures and up to 20cm of snow overnight on Monday into Tuesday.
The snow could even reach 10cm on lower ground, causing potential disruption to travel and even power cuts in some areas.
Households are being told to prepare for the snow, including salting driveways and stockpiling emergency items.
But once the snow is here, there’s something you should be doing according to British Gas: clearing the snow from your doors and windows.
That’s because snow is damp, and can cause issues with mould and rot if left on your windowframes and doorways, especially as it freezes and then thaws out, damaging the materials that support your house.
British Gas said: “A sturdy snow shovel and gritting salt or sand will be invaluable if you find yourself snowed in. They’ll help you keep your footpaths and driveway clear and safe during an icy spell.
And don’t forget to keep your window and doorframes clear of snow, as it could seep into the frame itself and cause mould.”
The same applies to skylights and Velux windows, too. As window firm Keylite says: “In cold areas it is possible for considerable amounts of snow and ice to accumulate on the roof.
If the snow and ice is not removed, the alternation between warm and cold temperatures can cause a bank of snow or ice to form on or below the roof window. This bank of snow or ice may dam newly melted water and therefore cause water ingress around the windows as neither roof window nor roof surface are designed to cope with dammed up water.
“Snow and ice should therefore be removed from the areas on and around the roof window in the same way as leaves and other debris.
“Ensure all flashings and gutters are clean to allow water to melt and run away freely.”
