The cold winter season is upon us and it looks like it is going to hang around a bit longer than usual this time round! As reported in recent weather forecasts the snow will be coming in thick and fast, with an estimated 3 months of snowfall ahead of us to look forward to!
As we are in National Maintenance Week, our Timberwise experts have pulled together a few handy tips to prepare you and your property for the coming months. By carrying out regular maintenance checks on your property, you can prevent any future, costly and time consuming problems.
Hints and tips on maintaining your property this winter
Checking for loose or missing tiles
Before the snow settles on top, make sure there are no leaks or gaps in the roof as this can lead to severe damp problems and possibly lead to rotten timbers. Leaving the issue unattended can result in expensive, intrusive and time consuming remedial works.
Clearing gutters and drain pipes
Inspect the gutter and drain pipes around the property making sure they are not clogged up with leaves, weeds or debris to avoid any water overflow, which can also lead to damp problems.
Keeping the pipes warms
As the weather becomes colder, pipes tend to burst, especially in variable weather conditions which causes the pipes to freeze and then thaw. By insulating pipes with a foam cover (lagging) this can prevent heat loss and prevent it from freezing.
Get an inspection for boilers and central heating
Getting your boiler and heating serviced regularly can prevent breakdowns at such a crucial time of the year when the need for heating is paramount. Failing to do so can waste energy and become more costly in the long run. Arranging for a qualified engineer to service your boiler can ensure that your boiler is running safely and sufficiently, to keep your property heated when you need it most.
Bleeding the radiators
A common problem with radiators that haven’t been used for a while is trapped air, this prevents the heat from circulating through the radiators. By bleeding the radiators this will release the air, and sometimes a bit of water too so keep a towel handy, however this will allow the radiator to run efficiently.
Clearing the path ways
As a homeowner it is your duty to clear footpaths and driveways outside for anyone entering or leaving your property, to avoid any accidents. Using salt or grit if available is the most effective way to do so.
