As temperatures continue to drop, we’ll all be spending more time at home, so we naturally want our space to be warm and comfortable – for ourselves and any visitors who may come knocking.
It is notoriously difficult to predict the British weather, but it’s better to prepare for the worst than not at all! So, to avoid any nasty surprises once winter is in full swing, here are some tips on getting your home ready for the changing of the seasons…
1. Inspect downpipes
These can get blocked and cause leaks, so it’s best to check them during heavy rain, when you can see where the water is coming from. If you’re commencing an inspection in dry weather, be on the look out for stained brick or stonework.
2. Examine your roof
It can be a daunting task clambering up onto your roof, so if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, get an expert in.
Check for any cracked or broken tiles and make sure you get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
3. Store outdoor furniture
If you don’t have a garage or shed, now would be a great time to invest in one. They offer the perfect place to put all of your outdoor furniture and plants pots, to not only protect them from weathering, but to also prevent heavy winds causing breakages at your home, or a neighbour’s.
4. Tackle humidity problems
Condensation inside your home is one of the worst winter issues and, if left unchecked, can lead to dreaded black mould on walls. Even worse still, it can cause wooden window frames to rot, which would be very expensive to replace.
It can be difficult to get rid of humidity in winter, as we crack the heating up and close all of the doors to keep out the cold, which causes moisture to build up. Ensure that you open windows and use vent fans every time you’re cooking and after taking a shower or a bath, which will allow the air to circulate.
5. Ensure your boiler is in good condition
As a standard you should have the boiler serviced once a year, but if you haven’t got around to it for a while then now would be a good time to do so. Also, make sure you bleed your radiators, if you find that they have cold spots in them.
6. Fit smoke alarms
It has been revealed by insurers that more house fires occur in December and January than any other time of the year, so make sure you install smoke alarms on each floor and test the batteries regularly.
For the most part, keeping your property safe, secure, and warm throughout the winter months requires some general maintenance. These small and simple tasks could prevent disaster striking over one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year – so they are really worth doing.
