It may only be the start of October, but it is important to check that your home is ready for the winter months before the cold weather sets in.
Boiler
You don’t want to risk your boiler breaking down over Christmas, or when it is snowing outside, and you can’t get it quickly fixed, so have your heating system checked over by a professional to ensure that it is working properly.
If you are going away, make sure you treat the pipes with anti-freeze to help prevent pipes from bursting.
Drains, Gutters and Downpipes
Blocked drains, gutters and downpipes can result in damp or even rot or subsidence in your period home. Blocked gutters and downpipes can also lead to fractured pipes if water stuck in the gutters freezes.
To help prevent these issues, check and clear any plants, leaves, moss or dirt from drains or gutters. Regularly check for any leaks from the joints of gutters or downpipes. This is best done during heavy rain when you can spot any water dripping through.
If your drains or gutters are damaged, get them replaced by a professional before the colder weather sets in.
Prepare your Fireplace
A fireplace can be a great feature in your home during the winter months, but it is important to ensure that it is maintained and ready for the colder months. Before using your fireplace, have your chimney cleaned out to remove any build-up or birds’ nests and checked for any potential problems.
It is also important to check the outside of your chimney for broken bricks and crumbling mortar. Check that your damper closes tightly to keep out the draughts and stock up on fire wood for the winter months.
Check Locks and Security
With claims for burglaries peaking in November (source), it is important to ensure that your home is secure. This does not just mean storing valuables out of sight, but also making it harder for potential burglars to access your property.
Check that any sheds with ladders or tools stored in them are locked shut and that locks on your windows and doors are in a good condition and can’t be forced open. If necessary, install new locks.
For more information, read our article on securing your home.
Draught Seal and Repair Windows
Check the condition of your windows. Are they damaged, rotten or letting in draughts? You don’t want to be sitting inside with freezing cold draughts blowing through your house, so make sure that any repair or draught sealing of your windows is carried out before the cold weather.
Ask professional to assess your windows and provide you with a quotation for any work that is required. At The Sash Window Workshop, we offer a wide variety of repair services for timber windows ranging from minor repairs to our new sashes into existing window frames service, which involves draught sealing and installing new double glazing sashes.
To obtain a free, no obligation site survey and quotation to prepare your windows for winter, contact us on: 01344 868 668.