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Prepare your home for winter

By Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor Sep 30, 2015

Winter weather is soon approaching, and with it comes shorter days, colder temperatures and more adverse conditions than we’re used to in the summer.

Autumn is the perfect time prepare you home for winter; doing a little maintenance here and there beforehand can help avoid costly bills when the boiler gives out or the roof starts leaking.

Here’s a few simple tasks to add to your list this weekend to help your home get ready for whatever the winter throws at you.

  • Bleed the radiators – Bleeding the radiators before you switch the heating on this winter will help release any trapped air and make sure you get the most out of your boiler when you need it.
  • Clear the gutters – Gutters blocked with leaves and mud can lead to outdoor damage and costly leaks on the inside of your home. If you don’t fancy getting up on a ladder yourself, consider hiring a handyman to come and do it for you.
  • Check the boiler – You don’t want to wait until the coldest day of the year to figure out your boiler isn’t working. Turn your heating on and check that it’s in working order – if your boiler is already a few years old, consider getting someone round to do some maintenance and check it’s safe and fit for use.
  • Put away any loose garden furniture – High winds during winter storms can turn everyday items into flying missiles. Put away any chairs or other garden furniture that could be thrown around or damaged in the wind, including trampolines.
  • Remove dead branches – Likewise if you have large trees on your property this is a good time to trim and remove any dead branches that could snap in the wind and damage your home.
  • Check the roof – Check to see the roof is in good repair, keeping a close eye out for any loose or missing tiles that might give you trouble in the event of heavy rain.
  • Close the gaps – Gaps between windows and doors can lead to water damage and bring in a draught when the cold weather hits. Reapply exterior caulk or sealant if necessary and consider fitting draught-proofing strips on your doors.
  • Use a secondary glazing – If you have any single-glazed windows at home that aren’t covered by heavy curtains, you might want to consider getting a secondary glazing film to help hold the heat in. This inexpensive film works much like plastic wrap, turning into a transparent coating when heated into place.
  • Clear a path – Take a look at your driveway and any exterior walkways and make sure they are clean. Remove any weeds and secure any loose tiles. Doing this now can help prevent falls if your walkway gets wet and slippery. Having a bag of grit on hand before the weather worsens will make sure you can keep a path clear all winter long.

Do you have any tips to help prepare your home for winter?

 

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Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor

Hello there! I’m Rachel and I’m the Assistant Editor for Silversurfers. I work behind the scenes to bring interesting, informative and entertaining subject matter to the Silversurfers community. I hope you enjoy the features we have shared with you. Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you!

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