Winter preparation is crucial

Clear your gutters

Not one of the nicest jobs but before the winter freeze sets in it is crucial to ensure the gutters, which drain rain water away from your house, are cleared of leaves and debris. Not doing this can lead to all sorts of problems from damaged exterior surfaces, leaks and ‘ice dams’ which could lead to major blockages.

Check your heating

We go for months without using our boilers so when we are in desperate need of central heating it is imperative the system works. One way to ensure reliability is to turn the heating on for a few minutes every six months. It will be the last thing you think of doing in the summer but come winter, you will be grateful you did.

Ensure your radiators are working efficiently and ‘bleed’ them (releasing any air) if necessary. If there are unusual sounds or erratic behavior, you should call a CORGI registered professional straight away.

Take care of the exterior of your property

Insulate and Draft Proof

Check windows, doors and ceiling-to-wall joints are draft free to prevent loss of heat. Front doors with mail slots and fireplaces are also worth monitoring and check window and doorframes haven’t warped over the year. If substantial work is required, it is important you contact a professional and we would be more than happy to recommend one should you wish.

In the UK, according to the Energy Saving Trust, if every home was draft proofed we would save enough energy to heat nearly 400,000 homes! By insulating your home properly, you would not only be saving money but also reducing your carbon footprint.

Structural Problems

Take a walk around your property and examine pipes, fences, ceilings and rooflines. Check insulation on external water pipes and ensure your roof is ready to handle rain, snow and ice. It is worth spending money now to ensure your property is winter ready, rather than putting it off and ending up with more expensive problems in the future.