Getting a Home Ready for Winter – Spend Now to Save Later

The changing of the seasons can bring different environmental challenges to your doorstep, and without the correct preparations, your home can be vulnerable to all kinds of damage and inconveniences. Winter in particular can take a huge and costly toll on many parts of your home, both inside and out.

Making the right preparations and taking the time to make some basic repairs can save you a lot of time and money if disaster strikes in the winter. If an emergency happens, it can be especially expensive paying for work from a plumber or builder, for example. Late in the year, the cost of many winter-related supplies and equipment like insulation and boilers can increase.

We are going to take a look at some of the ways that anyone can check that their home, or any other property, is ready for the coming winter.

Have Your Roof and Gutter Inspected – Clear Any Debris

In the winter months, there can be a lot of rain, as well as snow or frost, and poor drainage or badly maintained gutters can cause huge and hidden water damage that can lead to very costly repairs.

Have your roof and gutters inspected and have any debris removed. Water should be able to drain from your roof and through your gutter system quickly to prevent pooling and flooding that can damage the structure of your home and lead to labour intensive work.

Inspect Your Building’s Exterior for Problems or Damage

If your building already has some structural damage or a problem that needs to be addressed, the weather that comes in the winter can make the problem a lot worse and more expensive to fix.

Look for broken or damaged bricks, or areas where there is poor mortar work between the bricks. Water can get into cracks and fissures in bricks and mortar, and freeze in an overnight frost. When water freezes, it expands, and this can increase cracks and cause further damage.

Check Your Hot Water Boiler – Is it Time to Replace It?

One of the worst winter disasters that can strike any property is a broken or malfunctioning boiler. This can take away precious central heating when you need it the most, and take away the convenience of running hot water.

Bear in mind that if your household is in receipt of certain benefits, you may be entitled to a grant for a replacement. Check boilergrants.org.uk for more info on this.

Most boilers break in wintertime, as this is when they are under the most pressure and regular use. Many may have spent extended periods over the warmer months barely used, and this can often lead to problems later in the year. It is a good idea to get your boiler serviced before the worst of winter sets in.

If you do need a new boiler, look for an energy-efficient combi boiler that will save you money the more you use it. You can find the best Combi boiler at Boiler Central. They have tried and tested all the best boiler brands and models to find out which is the best boiler so you don’t have to!

Insulation is Important for Staying Warm – When Did You Last Check Yours?

When was the last time you checked your roof space? The interior of your roof is just as important as the exterior, and poorly maintained or installed insulation can cost you a lot of money in home heating and lead to damp and mould in ceiling plaster and interior brickwork.

Make sure your insulation is free from debris and excessive dirt so it can function properly. Poorly installed insulation is almost as bad as no insulation, so make sure you have complete coverage across your ceiling.

Plan Ahead for Problems – Have a Winter Prep Bag

There are common winter problems that can hit every home, and getting the right tools and supplies for the job is often more expensive when everyone is trying to buy the same things at once.

Salt or grit for your driveway and paths is a prime example of this. When a sudden frost hits and freezes over pavements and roads, road salt and grits are in short supply, and the cost skyrockets. Get some now to save yourself money later. A small bag of salt doesn’t take up much room in a shed or cupboard. Include some other winter supplies like a de-icing solution for car windscreens and windows. These types of supplies are often on sale now but will be sold at a premium in a few months.

Don’t let a winter woe ruin your Christmas celebrations. Every year thousands of homes are hit by an easily prevented winter calamity that can cause all kinds of inconveniences and disruption, and cost you a lot of money at exactly the wrong time.

Follow just a few of our handy tips and you should be able to prevent yourself from having to dig deep into your pockets to pay for a winter repair. Check your boiler, inspect your building’s exterior, and make sure your roof and gutters are clear of debris, and you should have a peaceful winter!