If the onset of winter has caught you out, you’re probably wondering how you can quickly prepare your home for the cold weather so there are no expensive problems down the track.
Getting a few jobs ticked off your list now will help you avoid some common maintenance problems.
Tips for preparing your home for winter:
Heat is on
If you have an open fire, your chimney must be cleaned at least once a year to avoid fire risk. And if you have not done so for a year or more, book a service for your Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning system.
Gutter debris
There’s barely a home in America that doesn’t need the gutters cleaned annually. Please don’t go into winter with them clogged by leaves. Water will gather and possibly spill inside your home. At the very least, the water will rust the gutters. When you do this task, ask someone to hold the ladder. It’s a good idea to wear gloves, too.
Branch out
Tree branches falling on your roof can cause thousands of dollars of damage. You’ll likely suffer water inundation, too, if it happens in a storm. Take a stroll around your home and check for potential problems. Call an arborist if you see an issue.
Monster mulching
If you like to put the effort into making your garden beautiful, make sure you place at least four inches of mulch on your flower beds to insulate your precious plants from the worst of the winter freeze.
Pipeline
Don’t ignore the pipes in your house. Get them insulated if they run along a wall or in an unheated area. Most hardware shops have several excellent products, and installing them should be a breeze. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice before you buy.
Bursting out
Your water pipes aren’t the only thing that can burst. If you have an inground water system, you’ll face a similar problem. The best solution is to use an air compressor and blow the water out of the system. Air compressors are pretty cheap, and the job is a simple one.