As we descend into the cooler winter months, you are probably concerned about getting your home ready for snow, wind, and other extreme weather. Embarking on any scheme of repairs means spending some of your hard-earned cash. However, by spending a small amount now, you won’t be hit by a hefty repair bill in the depths of winter. Take a look at these three pre-winter fixes you should consider for your humble abode.
Staying Warm
As the colder months set in, you want to ensure that your brood is warm and toasty. A heating system is crucial so ensure that you get yours serviced annually. Doing this can spot any faults prior to them becoming major issues that causes your home to feel cold, damp, and uninviting. You need an efficient heating system that enables you to create an ambient temperature within your four walls that doesn’t get too hot or too cold. To ensure this occurs, take a look at your loft insulation. Replace or add to it to create a cushion that reflects the heat back down into your home rather than allowing the heat to escape through your roof space. This means that you won’t have to keep your heating on for so long.
Ensure that your windows are intact and that the fascias aren’t cracked. You may need to replace glazing if the seals are allowing condensation to develop. This is a sign of an inefficient home that will allow cold drafts to permeate your home.
Pipes
It’s crucial that your pipework is inspected prior to the coldest months. It’s not unusual for pipework that has not been utilized for months to freeze and shatter suddenly. To prevent this from happening, put you heating on regularly throughout the summer - this only needs to be for twenty minutes once a week. This prevents your pipework from seizing up.
Check the pipework in your bathroom and beneath your sink. Any leaks need to be sorted prior to winter. A sound water system will ensure that water won’t escape from your home. A burst pipe can cost a small fortune to fix, so don’t allow those tiny leaks to develop into a much bigger problem.
Driveway
If you are blessed with a driveway at the front of your home to park your car, ensure that you get it fit for winter. At the very least, you need a tub of salt or grit to prevent your driveway from icing over when the temperature falls to sub-zero. Pull the weeds from the cracks between paving to prevent water erosion from lifting the brickwork. Scatter ice or grit over your driveway in the evening before a frosty night so you can walk to your car in the morning without fear of slipping. This will also help your car to leave the driveway without skidding and possible colliding with a wall or pedestrian.
Getting your home fit for winter needn’t cost the Earth, but it does require effort on your part to ensure that any little niggles don’t turn into a costly problem to fix. Follow this guide and get your home ready for the winter season.
No comments