Is Your Home Winter Weather Ready?

The following contribution is from another author.

Getting your home winter-weather ready is easier than you might think, but you must play your part. Safety comes first, and the home is the first place of protection when the temperature drops and things get nippy. From storm protection to roofing, here are some suggestions.

First, Heating Maintenance

The heating needs to be checked well before winter hits. But if you have been stuck for a long time, don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to ensure your heating is still what you need. One of the first things to check is the radiators. Make sure they are hot all over. If there are cold spots, then they need bleeding. You may need a furnace installation, servicing, or repair if the issues remain after bleeding the radiators. Book this as soon as you can to avoid delays.

Installing Storm Protection

Autumn and winter are prone to heavy storms. Rainstorms turn to snowstorms in some places, and neither is any kind of fun to be in with an inadequate home or shelter. Check any storm doors and windows you have installed. Removing screens can help as they can come loose during high wind. It’s also a good idea to have your chimney (if you have one) checked and swept for efficient heating. And, of course, grit, salt, and plow your driveway to ensure your paths are clear of hazards. Winter is also a good time to use your garage to keep your car running well.

Pipes and the Winter Weather

Summer is known for bursting pipes. But winter also causes pipe blockages and eventually ruptures. This happens because water inside them freezes and eventually expands the pipes too far. This almost always happens to public pipes under roads. But (in the UK, at least) only around 30% of burst pipes are public, and the majority are private pipes. Pipe insulation can be all it takes to prevent one of the worst things that can happen to your home during the winter.

Book a Roofing Inspection

It’s recommended you inspect your roof each season since every season throws its own hazards at your home. Winter is especially important because fall storms can cause immense damage. This can be made worse by winter hazards such as snow and heavy frozen ice. Of course, winter is dangerous for getting up on ladders, so it’s advised that you book a professional to do this for you. It always helps to have the gutters and downspouts cleared too.

Check for Any Air Gaps

An efficient heating system such as a well-maintained furnace and radiators will help your home stay cozy over winter. However, you will lose money and not heat your home as well if there are gaps and draughts around the home. Fortunately, it’s easy to check for these. Using tape or even a candle, check for draughts by placing them near window and door gaps and checking for a flicker. Then, you can use caulking and floor sweepers to ensure the cold air doesn’t get in.

Summary

Maintaining your heating system will help get your home winter weather-ready. Keeping your pipes warm will also prevent freezing. And blocking air gaps helps keep the cold outside.