When it comes to the weather, winter is by far the most challenging time of the entire year. In a perfect world, we would have our homes in tip-top shape before the onset of winter. It is always better to be prepared.
However, time seems to get away from us. Before we know it, we are up to our knees in snow, attempting to address all of the issues that have arisen. However, there is still time for you!
In this section, we will take a look at some of the tasks that you need to complete, from the smaller tasks such as hiring a window cleaning company for that last clean, to some of the bigger tasks in order to ensure that your house is in the best possible shape to make it through the colder months.
Make sure your boiler and heating system are working properly.
Do not forget, if you have not already done so this year, to have a plumber or engineer who is adequately qualified and registered service and inspect your boiler and heating system. This should be done at least once every year. During the dead of winter, having neither heating nor hot water is one of the worst things that may happen to a person.
Make sure your shingles and roof tiles are secure.
Climb up onto the roof and inspect it thoroughly for broken, missing, or loose shingles. If any are found, you should repair them immediately.
If your roof is in a condition of deterioration, even a small amount of snow and high winds that come with winter may wreak havoc. It can do quite a bit of significant damage to the rest of your property.
Check the state of your chimney.
Check for cracks and loose rendering around the chimney pots and the area where the roof joins the chimney if your home has one. They are susceptible to damage from strong winds and rainfall. Any problems should be resolved before the worst of the weather arrives.
Insulate pipes
The winter season presents a significant challenge in the form of frozen pipes. This can result in the rupture of those pipes and a wide variety of other types of property damage.
Keeping them warm is the most effective approach to stop something like this from happening. Insulating pipes, also known as lagging, requires the application of thick layers of foam. This is especially important for pipes located in cooler and more exposed regions. This includes garages, basements, lofts, and utility rooms. If your water tank does not have adequate protection, you may want to consider doing this to it as well.
Clean out your drains and gutters.
If you have not already, get on it right now if you have not already done this. The fallen leaves, branches, and twigs can clog up the trees. This can lead to them bending, warping, and even breaking.
This is in addition to the problems that can arise from them becoming too full. Checking on them and cleaning them out should be an integral part of your preventative maintenance routine during the fall and winter seasons.
Fill in all of the openings and spaces.
Find and fill in any gaps or cracks in the windows, siding, and foundation of your home. Use a can of spray foam gap-sealer and a tube of caulk. Then make your way around the perimeter of your property.
If you are unable to resolve an issue right away, jot it down so that you can address it at a later time. If you want to find out where the cold air is getting in, you can use a candle flame or a digital thermometer to help you locate the holes.