With this Winter set to see temperatures of -10 degrees, is your home prepared for the freezing conditions?
Here are our top ten tips to help prepare your home for Winter:
Top Tip Number 1: Roofs – Look up at your roof from ground level and also inspect through your loft hatch to see if daylight penetrates – if you can see daylight it could mean that your roof is damaged.
Top Tip Number 2: Gutters. Cleaning out gutters is the most basic of tasks yet is often neglected with sometimes devastating consequences. Check your gutters to make sure there are no blockages!
Top Tip Number 3: Avoid any build-up of earth at the base of walls which may breach a damp proof course. Garden plants often enhance buildings, but consider control or removal if they are damaging walls or blocking gutters.
Top Tip Number 4: Rain Water Pipes. Check rain water pipes for blockages and leaks.
Top Tip Number 5: Services. Check water and heating systems for leaks, and ensure pipes are lagged to avoid bursts in winter. Make sure electrical and gas installations are regularly inspected, and that chimney flues are safe and clear.
Top Tips Number 6&7: Windows & Doors. If your windows and doors are made of timber they need painting every three to five years.
Top Tip Number 8: Chimneys. Leaning chimneys or pots may need attention, seek expert advice!
Top Tip Number 9: Valleys / Flat Roofs. Holes in valleys or flat roofs may not be obvious but often produce signs of dampness on internal walls.
Top Tip Number 10: Safety. The most important tip from us is to employ a reputable builder if you are in any doubt about carrying out maintenance work.