When the winter hits, it can take a serious toll on your home. Freezing temperatures, rain, and strong wind can exacerbate small weaknesses in the structure of the property and create new problems. It is important to check the property and make any necessary preparations for the winter when the weather is still mild. This article outlines six key steps to follow when weatherproofing your property.
Remember, DIY can be dangerous, especially if you are not using the right equipment and are inexperienced. If you are in any doubt, always contact a professional to avoid damaging your home or injuring yourself.
- Check the roof
Your roof is one of the most important lines of defense against bad weather, so you need to check it for signs of missing, broken, or loose tiles. You can do this from the ground with a pair of binoculars, but you should not climb onto the roof yourself. If you are concerned about the condition of your roof or simply want a full inspection carried out, it is certainly a job that requires a professional, so to get their advice.
- Repair the walls
The rendering on walls can become ‘blown’ (puffed outwards) or cracked. If this is ignored, water may be seeping into the walls, which will begin to cause damage to the structure of the home. A professional should assess the walls to ensure there are no major causes for concern, but if there are only small cracks, you may be able to repair them by yourself with a good quality filler.
- Refresh your window frames
Over time can become rotten and brittle, and this leads to poor insulation and leaks. If you can see that the frames are damaged in places, it may be possible to chisel out the worst parts and patch them up with filler before sanding and repainting. A similar approach can be taken when checking a wooden front door. However, if the windows or doors are particularly old or damaged, it may be more sensible (and cost-effective in the long-term) to replace them.
- Do some draughtproofing
Gaps around your windows or door frame will be letting cold air inside while letting your heating escape. This will be costing you more in heating bills, making you uncomfortable, and is not good for the environment. Luckily, draughtproofing is something that can be sorted with relatively little expense. You can buy self-adhesive foam strips for the edges of windows and doors and bristles for the bottoms of doors.
- Inspect and clean the gutters
If your gutters are cracked, they will be ineffective, and if they are clogged with dirt and debris, the water will freeze and expand in winter, leading to damage. , check for signs of damage, and consider installing a plastic or wire mesh to prevent future clogs.
- Maintain your yard
Finally, it is a good idea to maintain and tidy your yard before the bad weather arrives. This includes clearing leaves and soil from paving, paths, and decking using a brush or a pressure washer and checking your shed roof to ensure it is not going to leak water.
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