The insurance company emphasizes that prolonged frosts significantly increase risks for housing and other property, and in winter conditions, even minor technical problems can quickly escalate into serious damage.
One of the main risks remains the freezing of plumbing and heating systems, which often occurs in cases where a uniform temperature is not maintained in rooms or certain parts of the building remain unheated. Special attention should be paid to basements, attics, and utility rooms, where the temperature is often lower, and pipes are not always properly insulated.
"From the perspective of insurance payouts, this winter in Latvia has so far been relatively calm — due to prolonged snowfall until mid-January, we have recorded only one case with a payout of 160 euros. However, experience clearly shows that pipe bursts due to frost can lead to very significant losses — amounts range from five to thirty thousand euros," experts emphasize.
For quality insulation of pipes, it is recommended to use specially designed thermal insulation materials. Pipes located in unheated rooms or near exterior walls should be insulated particularly carefully, ensuring sufficient thickness of the insulation layer and the absence of gaps or damage.
If there are rooms in the house that are not heated in winter but have plumbing, it is advisable to leave a small, steady flow of water when temperatures drop below zero. Even minimal water movement can be sufficient to prevent freezing. Conversely, in houses that are uninhabited for long periods, it is advisable to completely drain the water from the water supply system or ensure a minimal heating mode, thereby reducing the risk of pipe bursts and subsequent flooding.
During the winter period, the operation of ventilation also plays an important role, as insufficient air exchange contributes to the formation of condensate, which in the long term can damage both finishing materials and the load-bearing structures of the building. It is equally important to regularly check the electrical wiring, as the combination of moisture and frost creates additional safety risks.
