5 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

by kapil Mehta # Guest Blogger

Your property is there to keep you safe and protected during the winter months. When the cold weather hits, most people want to stay comfortable and warm indoors, but how do you make sure your property is well set up to withstand anything that winter throws at it?

Here are five winter home maintenance tips you should be sure to add to your checklist.

1. Prepare Your Boiler in the Summer

When you’re enjoying the hot summer months, your boiler (and heating bills) can take a well-deserved break. However, when your boiler hasn’t been switched on for a very long time, this could actually cause problems during winter when you actually need it. Pipes could risk seizing up through lack of use, or your boiler may be on its last legs.

To avoid any last-minute problems or emergencies when you need your heating, it’s a good idea to intermittently switch your heating on to allow it to circulate, and you may also want to consider having your boiler serviced in the summer rather than winter when you need it.

2. Check Your External Structure Following Bad Weather

Heavy wind and rain can cause a number of problems for the exterior of your property, especially if there’s a risk of debris or things such as tree branches making contact with your walls and roof.

Checking your property exterior regularly, particularly after very bad weather, will help you notice any problems as soon as possible. Check your walls for cracks or damage, and remember to check your roof for missing or damaged slates to prevent leaks and other issues.

3. Check Your Gutters

Your gutters can easily become clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, and this will cause a lot of problems if there are periods of heavy rain. Cleaning out your gutters is important in preparation for the winter weather. To make sure everything is in working order, it’s a good idea to use the services of a guttering and roofing contractor who will be able to safely inspect your gutters and roof.

4. Seal Up Any Cracks

Even the tiniest cracks around windows and doors can let in a lot of cold air. These might not be noticeable during summer, but they can make your home very cold in winter and increase your energy bills if you’re trying to keep your home heated.

Check your windows and doors for drafts in preparation for winter so that you can make sure they’re sealed up in time.

5. Make Sure Your Alarms are Working

In winter, you’re more likely to be using your fireplace, spending more time in the kitchen cooking hearty meals, and also probably creating a cozy atmosphere with candles. Making sure your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working is a must to help keep you and your property safe.

Final Thoughts

Most winter home maintenance tips are about preparing your home in the right way, so it’s a good idea to get started while summer is coming to an end. Make sure you’re stocked up and prepared, too, such as with supplies, maintenance tools, and emergency plans.