Protecting your property from the cold!
When freezing winter weather arrives you can easily pull on an extra jumper or blanket to keep out the chill. But how do you protect your home from inconvenient problems – and potentially costly repairs?
Get Roof Ready!
Aim to get your roof inspected by a professional at least twice a year. Look out for debris from broken slates or tiles on the ground surrounding your property and keep your eyes peeled for leaning chimneys, as these could be tell-tale signs that your roof needs some TLC. Getting roof problems rectified sooner rather than later could help prevent further damage to your home and your wallet…
Show your loft a bit of love
It’s imperative that your loft is properly insulated and ventilated. If it’s too warm during snowfall it can result in the formation of an ice dam. As this ridge of ice accumulates over time it can back up under the roof shingles (where it melts again) causing damage to walls, ceilings, attics, insulation and, in worst case scenarios, living spaces. If you feel your loft is poorly insulated, seek professional help to help prevent too much heat transfer from the living areas of your property.
Keep your home warm
Sounds obvious, right? But you’d be surprised at how many people forget! Try to keep your heating on for at least an hour a day to keep your home warm and water running through your pipes. If you know you’re going to be out and about when the temperature drops, consider setting a timer for your heating to help keep everything ticking over smoothly.
A blast of fresh air
Condensation can also be a major problem. It’s important to allow air flow in the winter months or you will end up with nasty damp patches on the walls – particularly in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Ensure your extractor fans are working and be sure to ventilate the property regularly - we know its cold, but embrace the open window for a couple of minutes a day and your home will thank you for it!
Don’t forget your garden
If you’re home has a garden, be sure to treat it with the same respect you’re showing to the property! Often a forgotten area, the outside is the most vulnerable space to cold weather in your home. Be sure to store away any furniture, barbecues, tools, toys and anything else that could be thrown about in a high wind. Take the opportunity to assess which of your plants you reckon can brace the cold, and maybe bring the others indoors too…
And there you have it!
Taking all our advice, you’ve put yourselves in a considerably better position that you might have been before! But remember, when the cold weather comes about - it’s not all doom and gloom. Take the opportunity to kick your feet up, wrap up in a blanket and enjoy a warm beverage of an evening.