Winter’s here in full force, and while the first thing on your mind might be staying snug and cosy – it’s important to keep an eye on areas within and around your property to make sure that everything is in good shape (to avoid having to make costly repairs). This is also a good time to check your security systems Anglesey, keeping your home safe and secure in the winter is definitely a priority too.
Your home is a huge investment, possibly one of the biggest in your life; and even though the bitter cold and weather conditions of winter make us want to stay indoors, there are still areas we need to keep an eye on every now and again. Even periodic checks on your home, and different equipment can help to save you money on costly home repairs that could’ve been easily avoided. Here are some tips on how to keep your home in good shape over the winter months.
Look for Leaks
A solid indoor maintenance tip is to be on the lookout for leaks. Check underneath your kitchen sink, near and around your dishwasher and washing machine and your bathroom – basically anywhere that a leak could spring up from. Unfortunately, when a leak is discovered, it’s often too late and the damage has been done. Regular checks and maintenance to potentially problematic areas can help to eliminate the risks of unwelcome leaks springing up! For example, resealing the bath or shower unit every so often will not only keep the bathroom looking fresh, but will make sure you stay protected too.
Time to Check the Gutters
Although it’s winter, you can still have leaves and other clutter sitting around and in your gutters. Clogged gutters are a nightmare, they prevent water from continuing its natural flow journey away from your home. To fix this, it’s as simple as dedicating a little bit of time on the weekends to clear out your gutters and to make sure that there’s nothing blocking water flow from your home. If this is left unchecked, you run the risk of causing damage to your foundation, roof, ceilings, walls and possibly even basement flooding.
Check for Frozen Pipes
Whether your home has plastic or metal pipes, when water freezes, it expands. This can cause pipes to crack and burst – which leads to costly repairs. Pipes that are more susceptible to freezing are those that are exposed to the outdoor winter weather, such as your outdoor water valves. One way in which to prevent your outdoor pipes from freezing is to add some insulation. Adding pipe sleeves, heat tape, or even allowing your water to run a little can all help in preventing your pipes from freezing.
Check for Door and Window Draughts
Have you been noticing cold air getting in from your doors or windows? This could be an indication of poor sealing. A good way to check this is to use an incense stick. Take one, light it and then hold it up to the window or door in question. If the smoke whirls around instead of just rising as it normally would, then this is a big indicator of a crack. It is relatively easy to fill those cracks with caulk or even adding some weatherstripping. Sealing the cracks can also help you to save on your winter energy bills.
