With the colder months approaching, it’s time to think about weatherproofing your home before its too late. If you are unsure about how to go about preparing your home, then you have come to the right place. We have listed a few ways you can weatherproof your home this winter below.
- 1. Insulation, Insulation, Insulation
- 2. Repair Any Gaps or Cracks
- 3. Snow Protection
- 4. Stop The Draughts
- 5. Clean The Gutters
- 6. Go Smart
- 7. Repaint Your Exterior
- 8. Check Your Chimney
- 9. Clear Your Garden
- 10. Fix Or Replace Your Windows
- 11. Upgrade Your Curtains
- 12. Check Your Roof
- 13. Upgrade Your Boiler
- 14. Prepare Garden Tools
1. Insulation, Insulation, Insulation
Check that your attic and/or basement have sufficient insulation if they don’t have any we recommend you install some. Insulation is excellent to keep the heat in and the cold air out. It is also wise to insulate your water pipes and tank.
2. Repair Any Gaps or Cracks
Over time, our houses develop cracks and gaps. Spend some time fixing any holes or cracks that are likely to let a draught or water in. Once it’s done, you won’t have to check again until next year and will save you money on clean up services after a storm.
3. Snow Protection
If you live in an area that is prone to heavy snow, then think about getting some snow guards for your roof. This will stop hefty chunks of snow falling off your roof and potentially injuring children or pets.
4. Stop The Draughts
There is nothing more annoying than sitting down for a cosy evening in and feeling a draft. Draft excluders for your doors are a good way to keep the draft at bay. If you are up for a bit of DIY, then find where the draft is coming from and fill in the cracks and gaps.
5. Clean The Gutters
During the Fall months, your cutters can get full of leaves and unwanted debris, this then leads to gutters overflowing or trapped water freezing. Ensure your gutters are clear and ready for winter.
6. Go Smart
If you haven’t already, you should consider installing a smart heating system. Being able to control your heating from your home will change the way you heat your house. You can program it to turn on the heating when you leave work so your house is all warm when you arrive home. It is also economical and will save you money.
7. Repaint Your Exterior
If your exterior wall needs an uplift, you should think about painting it with paint that is designed to protect your exterior from the elements such as, UV rays or rain. UV rays can cause the paint to peel and rain can cause mould or mildew on walls, repainting your walls with special weather protection paint will help you avoid the faux pars.
8. Check Your Chimney
Check your chimney for any unwanted guests. In winter months many rodents and birds will be looking for shelter, which they may find in your chimney. Having a professional check and clean them will help you avoid any nasty surprises when you light your fire.
9. Clear Your Garden
Give your garden a tidy. Tidy away any loose items that can cause damage to yours or other people’s property if high winds pick up. If you have decking then give it a jet wash, in the colder months, they tend to become slippery and form mildew from the cold wet weather.
10. Fix Or Replace Your Windows
Where windows cant be fixed from drafts, think about replacing them with storm windows. They will add an additional layer of protection against the cold winter air, allowing you to stay warm.
11. Upgrade Your Curtains
Drawing your curtains will help your home retain heat. The thicker the curtain, the better so ensure your curtains are lined. During the day keep curtains open to allow in as much natural sun as you can.
12. Check Your Roof
Check your roof is up to scratch, any missing or loose roof tiles can cause havoc in the wet wintery months. Loose tiles can lead to damage or injury in high winds and missing tiles can be a gateway to leaks and drafts.
13. Upgrade Your Boiler
If you have an outdated heating system, then think about updating your boiler. With new technology changing the way your boiler functions, you can save money and have more efficient heating pumped into your home.
14. Prepare Garden Tools
If you are in an area that snows a lot then make sure your snow shovelling equipment is in easy access, so you can clear your path and driveway efficiently and quickly.We hope we have helped get you started on preparing your home for the winter weather. If you are planning on putting your festive lights up this Fall then check out Fairy and Christmas Lights: Are They Safe If You Leave Then On?
