Properties require regular maintenance throughout the year. However, this is often more prevalent in the winter when snow, ice, wind, and rain cause damage to the exterior. Nevertheless, there are some things you can do to reduce wear and tear and keep your home and outbuildings in good shape over the colder months.
Check out some of the areas to consider to avoid costly repairs (Maintenance Tips):
1. Check windows and doors
One of the most significant reasons why energy bills increase over winter is due to drafts. If your windows and doors have slight gaps or holes in the framework, cold air will seep through. This cold air often makes you want to pump up the heating to counteract it. However, it also raises those heating bills. Before the cold returns, check all windows and doors to rectify any draft issues.
If you have any minor repairs to do, get these sorted before the colder weather. It’ll also help prevent more significant problems in the future.
2. Prepare for snow
For those that live in particularly snowy areas, you know how challenging it is to access your home and nearby roads in extreme weather. To help reduce this problem, why not consider buying a snow blower. This machine takes the hard work out of clearing driveways and pathways to free up your access during heavy snowfall. There are also a variety of models to choose from, depending on the level of snow you receive.
3. Clear drains and guttering
Throughout the fall months, wind and rain cause leaves and debris to collect in drains and gutters. If left, these things can lead to flooded exterior areas and broken guttering. In some cases, water can penetrate your home and cause leaks and more serious issues. Just simply clearing drains and gutters will reduce the risk of flooding and leaks.
4. Clear away garden furniture
The elements are not kind to anything left outside, especially garden furniture. To prevent damage and discoloration, start packing it away before the bad weather arrives. Before storing it, be sure to clean it and remove any dirt and residue. This ensures it stays in the best condition while not in use.
5. Clean chimney flues
If you have a chimney or wood-burner, it’ll get a lot of use during the winter months. Before you start ramping up the heat, consider a chimney clean beforehand. Vents can get clogged with a host of things, and creating a fire with a blocked chimney will cause smoke to enter back into your home. It’s also a fire hazard! Hire a professional to clean it to ensure you’re ready to go come wintertime.
Creating a list of maintenance tips for areas to cover before the start of the season will help you get everything covered in time. It’s handy to set aside some budget for any emergencies, too, just in case something unexpected arises. Prevention is always better than cure, and this is certainly true when keeping your home in the best condition.
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