The cold weather plays havoc on property, and homeowners should always take time before winter hits to prepare their homes. Even the most basic of repair jobs or a little proactive maintenance can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run, because slight issues can become significant ones when the cold gets involved. Whether it’s snow, ice, or the cold snap of a winter wind, keeping your home safer in the winter also means keeping yourself safe from the elements. However, a little knowledge and a little prep could turn your home into a fortress that will withstand the onslaught of whatever mother nature throws at you.
Basic Repairs
Your first step should always be to have a walk through your home, checking every door and window for draughts. Identify issues and make a note of them. Then, head outside and walk the perimeter of the building and the garden. Check your lighting, especially the lights that illuminate walkways and paths. Make sure that they are clean and that they are all working. Don’t forget to check your fences and any garden gates, as these can become dangerous if they are vulnerable to high winds. Once you know what needs to be done, start working on repairing and cleaning the trouble spots.
The Plumbing
One of the major areas of concern when it comes to the winter is ensuring that your water pipes don’t freeze and that they aren’t going to burst. Insulating your pipes is always a good idea, but your plumbing system generally involves a lot more than that. You’ll need a professional plumber to check your water tank or your sump, and you’ll find that most local plumbing services, like 1st Rooter Plumbing, will also be able to check and carry out maintenance on all of your plumbing and heating essentials. While a blocked pipe can be frustrating in the summer, that same issue in the winter could lead to serious damage and a leak that you can’t stop. Always prioritize plumbing as essential winter prep.
Consider Insulation
Our energy bills will invariably go up as it gets colder, but you can minimize that by installing additional insulation. There are plenty of options to consider if you have draughty windows, and this is a DIY job that most people are capable of doing themselves with the right tutorials. Attic insulation is essential and will help ensure that when you turn your heating on, that the heat doesn’t simply seep through to the great outdoors. If you’re worried about your carbon footprint, then it’s worth looking at eco-friendly insulation materials that will keep you warmer, reduce your heating bill, and not harm your environmental impact.
Try to avoid taking on big renovations or property upgrades in the winter. The cold will make it harder to be efficient, and trying to do a loft conversion when the cold rain or snow could arrive at any time is a disaster waiting to happen. Home protection against the cold is easy to get right, but getting it wrong or overlooking its importance could mean that you and your property are far more vulnerable to the elements when the winter rolls around.
