Even though the sun may be shining this month and you might be enjoying the balmy summer weather, it is never too early to begin considering the winter months. Your pad needs to be secure, watertight, and structurally sound to cope with the winter elements. There is no point waiting for the snow to kick in to do some DIY, because by this point it will be too late. Prevention is so much better than a cure when it comes to your home.
Get started now and protect your home from the elements by following these three simple steps.
Roof
The roof of your home is a crucial part of your winter protection.
A slipped tile or a cracked slate can allow water to penetrate your humble abode. This can result in damp seeping into your joists and ruining some of the structural integrity of your pad. Consider what you should know about homeowners insurance and water damage and check that your provider covers a damaged roof. You need to sort out the tiling on your roof while the weather allows.
Head up your ladder and replace tiles rather than repair them. The cost difference is negligible and you will have a much more resilient home. Check your gutters at the same time. A simple clean will remove any leaves clogging your guttering or any fallen moss from your rooftop.
While simple to rectify, a blocked gutter can lead to rust, leaks, and holes.
Windows
The windows of your pad also need to be secure and sealed.
Seals on fascias can quickly become faulty if not well maintained. You need to check your uPVC or wooden frames on a regular basis. Clean with soap and water to remove any mold, residue, and dirt. This doesn’t just keep your windows more resilient but you will also give your dwelling some much-needed curb appeal.
Those windows with poor seals will let in drafts resulting in higher heating bills as your home will remain cold during the winter. To save money in the long run, check out more modern energy-efficient double glazing.
Pipework
The winter months can be bitterly cold resulting in sub-zero temperatures.
If you live in a region where temperatures fall rapidly, check your pipework regularly. Pipes can quickly become frozen and burst so they need to be utilized even in warmer weather. Fire up your boiler at least once a week in the autumn and never give them the chance to seize up.
Your heating and hot water usage will ensure that your pipework remains viable.
If you suspect a blockage or your radiator pipes need bleeding, get a professional plumber or gas engineer in. They will use their knowledge to get your pipework running smoothly again. Ensure that you keep your boiler serviced annually to keep it efficient and in tip-top condition.
Keeping your home safe, secure, and protected front he elements can be challenging, especially if you own a period home. However, follow this guide and you can feel happy and comfortable in your pad this winter.
