During the winter, temperatures drop, and, in the UK, we can be battered by multiple storms that bring heavy rain and strong wind to the country. Bad weather is a normal part of life in the UK but ensuring that the home is well prepared to face this onslaught of weather means that you can have the peace of mind as we bid farewell to the summer.
Taking some time now to make sure that you have checked your home and put things in place to make it able to withstand the wintery climate will really help as winter arrives – here are some of the things that it is important to check…
Guttering – The gutters around our home are essential in the winter months to make sure that water is draining away from the roof and into the drain. Taking the time to check it now can save you a lot of problems in a few months’ time!
Over the autumn, gutters can get blocked with dead leaves and other debris, and this then leads to the gutter getting blocked. Getting your gutter cleared out now will mean that your gutters are ready to take on the heavy rain that winter can bring!
Heating – In the winter it is crucial to your health to keep your home warm, and after a summer of not needing to put the heating on, it is now something that you should check to ensure that it is ready for the winter. Get a professional like this boiler service Gloucester based company HPR to come and check the boiler and the radiators to make sure that it is all in working order. If you need to have repairs or replacements done, you can have it done before the winter arrives.
Garden – The garden is another area that needs some maintenance before the winter comes. Make sure that garden structures such as sheds, summerhouses and fences are all in good repair, and if not get them fixed as soon as possible. You can also use a wood treatment to protect them over the winter.
Tidy up the garden and put things that may be damaged by bad weather like garden furniture and tools away until the spring in a sheltered place.
Preparing your property for strong winds
Strong winds are one of the most common causes of storm damage, and a little preparation goes a long way. The roof is the area most likely to suffer. Keeping it in good repair reduces the risk, although older roofs in particular can still lose tiles in severe weather. Television aerials can also be damaged or lost. If trees grow close to the house, have a tree surgeon check them so there is less chance of one falling onto the roof.
In the garden, fences and sheds are frequently damaged, so inspect them regularly and carry out any repairs before the bad weather arrives. Secure or bring indoors loose items such as garden furniture, plant pots and children’s play equipment, as these can be dangerous and cause damage when the wind picks them up.
Remember the car too. A garage is the safest place for it, but if that is not an option, park away from trees and anything else that might fall on it.
Checking the roof before the storms
The roof takes the full force of winter wind and rain, so it deserves attention early in the season. Start by pruning back trees and large shrubs so branches and debris cannot fall onto it. Then clear leaves, twigs and other garden waste from the gutters, because a blocked gutter lets water overflow and can damage the walls below.
Years of wear can leave a roof exposed to bad weather. Look for loose or worn fastenings, peeling paint, missing sealant and any rust, and get them fixed before the storms arrive. It is worth checking the TV aerial at the same time, since the colder months usually mean more evenings indoors.
Do not forget the loft. Damage can be hidden on the inside even when the roof looks fine from the garden. Check the insulation for damp or worn patches, make sure fans and vents are working, and look for signs that animals have moved in, such as holes, food or droppings. Keep an eye on any stains, as a stain that grows is a tell-tale sign of a leak.
Clearing and checking gutters before winter
Gutters carry rainwater from the roof to the drains, and when they are blocked the water runs down the walls instead, which can lead to costly repairs and may even affect a home insurance claim. Autumn leaves cause most blockages, so clearing gutters once the leaves have fallen and before the worst of the winter rain is a sensible habit, with a second check in spring for anything the winter winds have brought down.
While clearing debris, look for leaking joints, which wear over time and may need replacing. Sagging gutters can often be spotted from the ground, because a loose downpipe is usually the first sign. After clearing, running water down the roof with a hose shows whether the water now flows freely.
Small leaks can sometimes be fixed with a sealant, which is far cheaper than a full repair. If the problem remains, it is best to call in a specialist. Homes in exposed, windy and wet areas may also benefit from gutter guards, which help stop debris collecting in the first place.