Six tasks to add to your Winter To-Do list
If the snow is coming, like they say it is, it's time to get the house ready - Credit: Archant
Here are a few simple checks for around your home that will help you keep warm this winter and potentially save you hundreds of pounds to boot...
1. Check your loft space
If your loft space has a cold water tank, open the hatch occasionally to allow some heat in the area, this will help ensure the water in the tank doesn’t freeze.
2. Bleed your radiators
Make sure your radiators are working properly by checking that they are heating at the top and bottom. If they are not, there could be air in the radiators and they may need bleeding. There are step-by-step guides online, it’s not too tricky.
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3. Inspect your roof
Check your roof is in good condition with no loose, cracked or missing tiles and that your aerial and chimney stack are secure. Ensuring your roof is well maintained will protect you from stormy weather, especially gale-force conditions. It will also help prevent any rain water from coming into your loft space, which can damage any stored contents or even the building’s structure.
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4. Check your gutters & downpipes
Leaves and debris tend to collect in gutters and downpipes, so it is important to keep them clear for water to escape. Blockages and water overflow may cause damage to your exterior walls or fascia and in some cases even interior walls.
5. Protect your pipes
To help prevent frozen or bursting pipes, make sure that they are insulated well by wrapping them in lagging and by putting your heater on a timer to come on regularly – if you are away, be sure to put the heating on for at least one hour a day.
6. Clear your outside areas
Tidy away loose garden furniture and other items into a garage or a garden shed if possible. Also, secure your fences by making sure they are sturdy and cut away any low or overhanging tree branches. Lastly, put your car in a safe place, such as a garage, or move it somewhere away from where it could be damaged by failing roof tiles or tree branches.
