We’ve talked before about how summer is coming to a close, and the colder months are finally upon us. As well as what we need to do in our homes as it does. But, there can be more important things to consider than essential repairs and décor. Protecting your home should be another critical consideration. Without taking the appropriate steps now, you might find yourself dealing with very unpleasant and expensive situations as the cold weather hits. Especially if you live in an older house, or you haven’t had much work done for a long time.
Get Your Boiler Serviced
You should have your boiler serviced every year, preferably towards the end of summer or at the very start of fall, before you really need it. Even if your boiler seems to be working fine, after a long summer of being switched off, you never know what problems might be waiting for you when you need it the most. Getting it serviced means that you can rely on it to heat your home and provide hot water in the coming months, no matter how cold it gets.
Check Your Pipes
Your boiler isn’t the only thing affected by colder weather. Read more from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing on understanding the plumbing in your home but know that your pipes need to be a priority. Older pipes can easily become blocked or get frozen, and even new pipes without the correct lagging can freeze and burst when it gets cold. Especially those outside your home.
Seals
In the summer, you won’t notice a damaged window seal, but it’s amazing how much cold air these tiny gaps can let in when the weather turns. This can make your home cold and damp and increase your heating bills massively. Go around and check all of the seals on your windows and doors and get them repaired or replaced if they need it.
Insulation
A poorly insulated home is another cause of increased heating bills, damp, and the growth of mold. It can mean that your house never truly feels warm and that you are in for a very miserable winter. Checking your seals is the first step, but you may want to take more significant steps like having your loft insulated and cavity wall insulation fitted. Of course, smaller additions like a draught excluder for your front door can also make a big difference.
Roofing
Our roofs take a lot. They have to deal with wind, rain, snow and other weather, as well as falling leaves and dirty. It’s no wonder that they can often become damaged over time. A damaged roof tile starts as nothing. Then, suddenly it’s cold and raining inside.
The only way to know what kind of condition your roof is in is to either get up there and have a look or send a professional up to check it out for you.
Clean Your Gutters
During autumn, our gutters often become clogged and dirty. This might not seem like a big deal, but over time that slow drip of water can start to damage the walls of your house, leading to a much more expensive problem.
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