Protecting your listed property from storm damage

By Jim Sales Account Executive

A bolt of lightning strikes in the sky above a large, old house with a garden at night.

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With storms becoming more frequent and severe across the UK, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect your home, especially if it’s a listed property.

Listed buildings, rich in history and architectural character, face unique challenges when it comes to extreme weather. From fragile materials to strict conservation regulations, listed homes require thoughtful preparation to withstand storm damage while preserving their heritage.

Unique storm risks for listed properties

Some of the unique risks include:

Fragile roofing materials: Traditional slate or clay tiles may be more prone to dislodging in high winds, and replacements must often match original materials.
Historic windows and doors: Single-glazed sash windows and timber doors may not seal as tightly, increasing the risk of water ingress.
Restricted modifications: Adding storm shutters, flood barriers, or modern insulation usually require listed building consent.
Aging infrastructure: Older plumbing and drainage systems may be more vulnerable to freezing or blockages during extreme weather.

Understanding these risks is key to developing a protection plan that respects the building’s heritage while ensuring its future.

A small, square window with white trim on a sloped, shingled roof above a brick wall.

A house gutter filled with fallen autumn leaves and debris, with moss growing on the roof tiles.

Practical steps to protect your listed home

Prepare for high winds
• Inspect your roof for loose or missing tiles – especially important for older slate roofs. Also, pay close attention to your chimneys’ state of repair.
• Trim dead branches and remove unstable trees within close proximity to your listed home to prevent damage from falling debris
• Reinforce gates and fences, ensuring they’re in good condition and properly anchored
Prevent water ingress
• Clear gutters and drains regularly to avoid blockages from leaves and twigs
• Install flood resistance measures such as air brick covers and non-return valves
• Consider flood resilience upgrades, like raising electrical sockets and using water-resistant materials in vulnerable areas, if suitable for your historic home
Guard against snow and ice
• Insulate pipes and water tanks, especially in lofts and external areas
• Maintain a minimum indoor temperature (typically 10–12°C) to prevent freezing
• Fix dripping taps to avoid frozen waste pipes
• Use water leak detectors, some of which can automatically shut off the mains supply

When a storm is imminent: Be prepared

If a storm is forecast to hit your area, taking a few proactive steps can make a big difference in keeping your household safe and minimising disruption:

Stock up on essentials: Have torches, and spare batteries ready in case of a power cut
Charge devices: Ensure mobile phones, power banks, and other critical electronics are fully charged
Emergency contacts: Keep a printed list of important numbers – your insurance broker, local council, emergency services, and trusted tradespeople
Secure valuables: Move irreplaceable items and documents to a safe, elevated location
Check your emergency kit: Include bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a first aid kit.

Being storm-ready not only protects your property but also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for whatever nature throws your way.

Small stone cottage with a gray door and potted plants in front, under a cloudy sky.

After the storm: What to do

Once the storm has passed, it’s important to inspect your property thoroughly and document any damage with clear photographs. Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible to begin the claims process if necessary. Acting quickly and following the correct procedures can help ensure your claim is processed smoothly and your home is restored with care and compliance.

Other risks to listed properties

While storms pose a serious threat, they’re just one of several risks that listed property owners need to manage. Fire, theft, and escape of water can all cause significant damage to historic features and materials, often requiring specialist restoration.

At Abode, we understand that protecting a listed home goes beyond storm preparation. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated risk management guide for listed properties, offering practical advice on everything from fire safety and security to water damage prevention. It’s designed to help heritage homeowners reduce the likelihood of claims and maintain the integrity of their property for generations to come.

For more in-depth guidance on protecting your heritage home, explore our risk management articles covering a wide range of topics tailored to listed property owners.

Why listed property insurance matters

Storm damage can be particularly costly for listed buildings – not just because of the materials and craftsmanship involved, but also due to the legal and conservation requirements for repairs. Standard home insurance policies often don’t account for these complexities, which is why specialist listed property insurance is essential.

This type of cover ensures that:

Repairs are carried out using appropriate materials and techniques
Your insurer understands the nuances of working with conservation officers and heritage regulations

Working with Abode: Listed property insurance specialists

When it comes to insuring listed buildings, generic policies often fall short. Abode understands the complexities of heritage homes – from traditional construction methods to legal restoration requirements.

Whether your listed building is Grade I, II*, or II, we are able to help you find a policy to fit your need.

Call us today on 01622 476 433 for a free quote or advice.