As a homeowner, I like to ensure that I always take good care of my home. Luckily, I have quite a bit of DIY experience, so when it comes to checking my house before Winter, I know what to look for. However, the other day when I was chatting with a friend about DIY, I realized that not every homeowner has the knowledge to take care of their home.
The extreme weather that comes with Winter – snow, rain and high winds can put our homes under a lot of strain. These nasty conditions can lead to all sorts of problems, from burst pipes to overflowing drains. That’s why, before the cold weather hits, it’s crucial that you check your home for any issues that may need fixing.
To help you do that, I have put together a guide to all the most important checks that you should make before Winter arrives. You can find out everything that you need to know, here:
Check your roof
If your roof itself, or any of the tiles are damaged or cracked, this can lead to leaks. If water leaks through your roof into your attic, and you don’t notice, this can lead to your roof rotting. To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial that before the wet winter months, that you check your roof.
Start off by going into your attic with a flashlight, looking for any gaps where sunlight is shining in. If you can see light streaming through a small area of your roof, this is a sign that there may be a hole or loose tile. Once you have checked the inside of the roof, the next step is to go up onto the roof and check the exterior. If you can see any holes or broken or cracked tiles, these will need to be fixed. You can fix these yourself, or you can call a contractor to do it for you.
Unclog your gutters
Use a ladder to look inside your gutters, if there are any blockages, like leaves or debris, remove them. If you fail to check your gutters, and they are blocked, rainwater may run down the sides of your house, causing damage.
Check your drains
Your home’s drainage system all links up, so it’s important to check both your inside and outside drains for any blockages. A blockage outside could lead to rainwater left standing in your garden. This could not only damage your driveway and patio but also, your home’s foundation.
If you think that any of your drains has a blockage, then that drain needs clearing. You could attempt to do this yourself, but it’s probably best to leave it to the experts.
Give your boiler a once over
During the Winter months, your boiler is crucial for keeping you and your family warm. That’s why, before the cold weather sets in, it’s best to give it a once over.
If you aren’t sure how to check your boiler is in good shape, it might be worth calling a plumber to service it over for you. That way, if there are any issues, he’ll be able to spot them and fix them for you so as during the Winter your boiler doesn’t break down.
If you want to take care of your home, it’s crucial that before the Winter that you perform all the checks above. So that if there are any issues, you can get them sorted out sooner, rather than later.
