5 Winter Home Maintenance Tips
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
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