15 Top Tips to Winter-Proof Your Home

Winter will be here before you know it. You must therefore take the steps to prepare your home for the colder months. To help you do so, we have accumulated some top tips to help you enter a warm and inviting home each day. Find out how to winter-proof your home.

Maintain Your Roof

It only takes one missing or cracked tile to allow rain to enter your home, which can cause damp or rot. It is therefore important to maintain and repair your roof to protect your property. However, don’t climb the ladder yourself and hire a qualified roofer to inspect and repair the property. If you find that your low sloping roof keeps springing leaks every time it rains then it might be worth changing to a double locked hemmed seam roof. Take a look at https://wdrmetalroofingaustin.com/roof-systems/double-locked-hemmed-seam/ for more information.

Clear Your Gutters and Drains

Your gutters and drains can gradually clog with various leaves, plants and debris. Unfortunately, this can often cause water damage to your property, which is why you must clear your gutters and drains prior to winter. Don’t forget to ensure that all gutter junctions are water tight.

Bleed the Radiators

Do your radiators feel a little colder at the top than they do at the bottom? You might need to bleed the radiators to release any trapped air inside. This can be a common issue if they haven’t been turned on during summer. You will simply need a key and a towel to do so, but it can increase the heating across your home.

A Water Heater Maintenance, Repair or Installation

You will not want to run out of hot water during the colder months. For this reason, you must hire a water heater maintenance, repair or installation service. You may need a new water heater if the water smells pungent, is dirty or if you spot the signs of corrosion or rust. Contact an experienced professional and visit https://www.onehourac.com/water-heater-repair-charlotte-nc/.

Insulate the Property

Reduce heat loss from your property by insulating your home. As a result, you can conserve energy, which will lower your household bills. Consider cavity wall insulation, which will create a cosier space all winter long. It is also possible to insulate your water by lagging the pipes. So, it might be cold outside, but you will feel warm and cosy inside your home.

Maintain Your Windows and Doors

Your windows and doors will shield your property from the cold. However, they can allow much cold, air and rain to enter the home if they are in poor condition. It is therefore wise to embark on maintenance repairs to ensure they remain in tip-top condition. Check the woodwork for damage or rot to identify any problems. If they are beyond repair, it is vital to replace them for added warmth and security.

Protect Your Patio

It is essential to protect your patio during the winter season. We recommend bringing in any chairs or tables – or at least attempt to cover them from the harsh weather conditions. Also, drain excess water from any hoses from summer and store them in a dry place, as the water can freeze and destroy the lining. If you still wanted to use your patio in the cooler parts of the year, it might be smart to consider a heater for your patio so you can enjoy it all year round! Plus, if guests want to spend longer outside, you want to make sure they are also comfortable. The evenings do tend to become a lot of chillier, which is why patio heaters are a necessity. This is something you never knew you needed until you have it.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Ensure any cracks or gaps within the home are sealed, which can prevent cold air from entering the home and warm air from escaping. What’s more, it can stop any rodents or insects attempting to enter your home to escape from the cold temperatures.

Buy a Doormat

Don’t bring all the winter slush, mud and gunk inside your home. Instead, buy a doormat that will provide people with a place to wipe their feet before they enter your property. Not only will it allow you to maintain a clean home, but it will stop water or salt from causing damage to your wooden floors.

Apply Heat Tape

Prevent ice from forming across your property by investing in some heat tape. You can run the tape along the edge of a roof or the bottom of a gutter. The tape ranges from 60 to 100-foot sections, and will look similar in style to an extension cord. However, you will need one outdoor electrical outlet to power the tape.

Move Potted Plants Indoors

Plants will not stand the test of time if they experience anything less than 50-degrees. Potted plants don’t tend to thrive in low temperatures, which is why you should relocate your flowers indoors. However, you must do so gradually.

We recommend bringing them in at night first, and taking them outside during the day, which will prevent leaf loss. However, thoroughly inspect the plants for insects before you bring them indoors. If you do spot any bugs, spray them away with water or buy an insecticidal soap from your local garden store.

Replace Your Filters

Did you know that dirty filters can cause your heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems to work much harder? That is because dust and debris will cause a system to become less efficient. As a result, it will shorten the system’s lifespan, which can cost you a considerable amount of money in the future.

Conduct an Energy Audit

Hire a professional technician who can conduct an energy audit across your home. It is a great way to identify if you have cracks or leaks across the home, so you can make the necessary repairs and effectively heat up your home.

Invest in Cosy Throws, Rugs and Blankets

Add warmth and texture to your home by layering your home with winter-warming throws, cushions and blankets. You should also keep your feet warm from cold wooden flooring with shaggy rugs and mats, which will heat up your space.

Automate Your Heating

Automate your heating with a programmable thermostat. It will allow you to turn the heating on even when you are not at home, so you can return to a warm space after a busy day of work or afternoon of shopping. It is definitely a worthy investment this winter.

Do you have any top tips for winter-proofing your home that we haven’t mentioned? Please feel free to share your comments below. We would love to read your helpful advice.

Thanks to Carol Trehearn