The nights are getting longer and the weather has started to take a turn for the worse. It’s worth thinking about some of the things that you can do to prepare your home for the winter.
Of course, there are some jobs you need to get a professional in for, but there are plenty of bits and pieces you can do now that might just save you a bigger job down the line.
Clear your guttering
It’s not the most exciting job in the world, but ensuring your guttering is clear of leaves and other debris can save you a whole world of problems later on.
If water can’t run off your roof and drain away through the guttering, then it pools in places. Then, when the temperature drops, it will freeze and crack your roofing, guttering, and fascias. This boosts the risk of damage and therefore flooding. Just make sure you stay safe when you’re up on a ladder.
Chop down overhanging trees and foliage
Especially if you live somewhere prone to storms in the wintertime, this is absolutely key.
The most obvious reason is that, in high winds, part of a tree would be blown into your home or fall on cars or people passing below.
It is your responsibility to make sure that trees on your land are in good condition. Another issue can be that, during freezing temperatures, the constant expansion and retraction of the sap within the tree will cause it to weaken and it could fall from changing temperatures. Trim back overhanging branches but, if in doubt, get a tree surgeon.
Check your windows
This is another one that might seem pretty obvious.
Poorly fitting windows can cause lots of problems with your home. If the window frames leak, then water can get inside your property and cause damp to set in, or the window frames to rot. Not only that, but a window frame that has cracks and isn’t properly insulated will cause the rooms of your home to be colder, and so your heating and energy bills will increase.
This is a big money-saver, if you can look after your windows well then it will set you in great stead for the future.
Tidy up
Check your garden, and make sure that you have put away toys, outdoor furniture, and anything else that might be damaged by wet and cold weather.
It might even be time to invest in a better shed to keep things protected during the coldest months of the year.
Get cozy!
Finally, don’t forget about the inside!
Just before the holidays is a wonderful time to invest in something special for your living space. You might be looking at a new sofa, from https://www.sofadreams.com/, a new TV so you and the rest of the family can curl up in front of the Christmas classics, or even a light decoration to welcome friends and family to your home for the festive season.
Whatever it is, think about something that you can appreciate with your family for years to come.