If you are now residing in your very first property, one that is your own to maintain and design, then it is important that you duly prepare for winter. Without proper consideration for the effects that cold and wet weather, especially that which occurs over many months, can have on a property, then you may soon find yourself undertaking repairs and even losing a return on investment.
The best time to begin preparing for winter is during the summer months. The warm and dry weather enables homeowners to begin tackling key jobs that occur outdoors. Additionally, should a resident discover that more extensive renovations must be completed, there is a generous amount of time within which to accomplish them before the winter draws near.
There’s a great deal to consider and, for a first-time buyer, it can feel overwhelming. However, with a basic understanding of what must be done, something that we are sharing today, your home can stand the test of a winter climate.
Inspect Boiler
Unpinning a home’s ability to weather the winter is the boiler. This is not only because residents will require hot water but also because water pipes must regularly be warmed to ensure that they do not freeze and, therefore, risk bursting. Should a boiler fail during winter, there is a much greater impact on a home, and repair costs are generally higher too!
Clear Garden
Being exposed to the elements, the garden is susceptible to gradual deterioration. While this poses a number of aesthetic concerns, such degradation also leads to an increased risk of property damage. Leaf matter accumulating within drainage pipes, for example, can lead to leaks within the home.
Other garden assets, such as dining areas and log cabins should also be prepared. Assets that are likely to be affected by strong winds should be covered or tied down and those susceptible to rust should be protected or stored accordingly.
Repair Windows
Even the slightest damage to a window, be it a cracked frame or deteriorated wood, can lead to a substantial drop in internal temperature. If you are concerned that there may be potential draughts within a home, then simply take cling film and begin to cover your window. As you go to seal the final corner, any draught, even relatively small, will become immediately apparent.
Insulate, Insulate!
A home’s insulation comes in many forms and, while an attic is perhaps the most often tackled, there are other areas that require consideration too. Pipes, for example, should be appropriately covered, a process referred to as lagging, especially if they are exposed in notably cold rooms, such as a garage or basement.
Prepare Waters
If this is your first home, you should become familiar with emergency shut-off systems, especially those relating to water flow. In the incident of a burst pipe, for example, a homeowner should know exactly where their stopcock is to minimise damage.
Additionally, should a home rely on radiators for warmth, they should be appropriately bled to ensure that water flow is optimised and, as a result, heating a home remains efficient.
