The fall is almost over. Are you and your family all ready for winter to set in? One way in which you can prepare is getting your home ready to brace the cold weather. Getting your property ready for winter will prevent some common problems from occurring, such as frozen pipes and dry air.
So which jobs should you prioritize this November? Here are some of the most important that you need to get out of the way before winter.
Unblock Gutters
Ideally, you need to unblock your gutters twice a year. The best times are once in spring and once in the fall. Doing one clear out at the end of the fall gives you a chance to get rid of all the fallen leaves in there. If you leave them, water will be unable to drain out of the drains. That will cause the water to overflow from the gutter and flow directly down your property’s walls. If you don’t stop this, your home could suffer from significant water damage, which can be costly to fix.
Insulate Pipes
The dip in temperatures over winter can cause your pipes to freeze. If they are left frozen for a long period, they will eventually burst. And this is a serious problem as you could end up with water gushing down your interior walls! The best way to make sure this never happens is to ensure that your pipes are correctly insulated. Laying heating cables next to your underground and outdoor piping can also help them stay above freezing point. No matter how low the outdoor temperature drops.
Buy A Humidifier
One problem that could affect your family during winter is all the dry air that can get into your home. If your property is old and quite drafty, you will notice this considerably more than a family living in a new build. Excessive dry air can be tough on our skin, and it can cause problems for people who suffer from respiratory problems. But there is one simple solution to this. Just place a humidifier in your rooms. This can help replace any moisture that has been lost from the air.
Bleed Your Radiators
You may need to bleed your radiators if you haven’t had them on for quite a while. You should also do it if you notice that some of your radiators don’t seem to be heating up as quickly as others. It’s really easy to do, and you won’t need to hire a workman to do it for you. All you need is the key that releases the radiator pressure. And don’t forget a towel so you can clean up any mess!Just release enough air so that your radiator can run more efficiently.
Hang Thermal Drapes
Now is the time to swap your thin drapes for thermal ones. These are a lot thicker than regular ones and will help to keep all the hot air in your rooms. You will find them especially effective if your house is quite drafty.
