Top Tips for looking after your property this winter! on 30th Oct 2024The clocks have turned the darker nights are setting in. All we want is to go home to our nice dry, cosy, warm home.But imagine this, its been frosty and snowing on and off for the last few days, its beautiful and crisp white outside. You unlock the door and step into your house; its cold, there’s condensation on the windows, the walls are mouldy and damp to the touch, the clothes you hung over the radiators are still wet as the heating hasn’t been on all day. There’s a strange dark patch appeared on the top floor ceiling, perhaps that loose roof tile is letting water in after all. You click the heating on and nothing happens, you check the boiler and the error light is flashing. You’re tired after a hard days work, so that’s a problem for tomorrow, off to bed you go. Tomorrow comes and out to work you go, after a long day you come home, unlock the door and whoosh a flood of water is coming through the ceiling, a frozen pipe has burst, everything is ruined.Yes that’s an extreme example, but it’s absolutely a possibility if you don’t know how to prepare and look after your home in the winter conditions. So E&M Property Solutions have put together this blog with our 10 top tips to ensure this doesn’t happen to you this winter!Insulate your Loft -Investing in loft insulation is such a cost effective way of enhancing your homes comfort and efficiency during the winter months. It helps your property maintain a consistent comfortable temperature by acting as a barrier that reduces heat loss through your roof.Loft insulation usually cost a few hundred pounds depending on the size of your loft space and type of insulation you use, and if installed correctly can last up to 40 years, but with the saving on heating bills, it will pay for itself many times over.Seal your Windows -Such an easy fix which makes a huge difference. Check the seals around your windows, if there’s black mould or gaps in your seals remove them and reapply to make a new seal. Sealing windows correctly prevents heat loss, reduces drafts and contributes to a more consistent temperature in your home. It also helps prevent moisture build up and condensation on your windows.Service Your Boiler-This is so important, boilers are expensive and having them serviced can identify and fix potential issues before they become a big problem and have to be replaced, nobody wants their boiler to be out of action in the winter months, so autumn is a great time to have a service. A well serviced boiler operates more efficiently, meaning it costs you less to use and heat your home and water.Bleed Your Radiators -Bleeding your radiators is a simple yet effective way to maintain a more efficient and comfortable heating system in your home. Air trapped in your radiators prevents them from heating up fully, bleeding them releases this air and allows the hot water to circulate properly and heat the radiator evenly. Doing this also prevents potential damage to your radiators, rusting, corrosion and leaks can occur when there are air blockages if left untreated.Check Your Roof Tiles -A simple look up can help prevent so much damage and expense. If there are any wonky, loose or missing tiles have these seen too before the winter months begin. Maintaining your roof will prevent leaks, which cause water damage and damp within your home. Replacing the odd tile that may have blown off or broken ensures the longevity of your roof, saving you money in the long run. Keeping an intact roof also protects your loft insulation and helps retain heat, ensuring your home remains energy efficient.Clean Your Gutters -Whilst your checking your roof its also worth checking your gutters too. Many window cleaners or handy men offer this service if you don’t have access or feel comfortable up ladders. Clearing leaves and debris from your gutters, helps maintain water flow,and prevents leaks and blockages. Having blocked gutters leads to water running down the outer walls which can cause damp inside your home. Another problem that arises with blocked gutters is ice dams, which can crack your guttering and will mean replacement will be necessary. This is especially important to do after the leaves have fallen from the trees, as they are a major cause of blockages.Insulate Your Water Pipes -Insulating water pipes over winter is a smart move to prevent freezing and potential bursting whilst also improving efficiency.This can be such an easy fix, if you have pipes in unheated areas such as attics, garages and on external walls, then covering them with foam sleeves and insulation tape can really help. Insulation keeps pipes warmer, reducing the risk of water freezing inside them which causes burst pipes. The damage caused by burst pipes can be devastating, so it’s definitely worth the effort, especially if you know your heating wont be on for a while through the day/ night.Block out Your Draughts -Identifying and blocking draughts in your home can definitely make a more comfortable environment. Draughts come through windows, doors, floor boards, external fans etc. For doors you can use a draught excluder, use adhesive foam strips or replace worn weather strips around the door frame. For windows, ensure they are sealed correctly and perhaps invest in blinds and thermal curtains to improve insulation. If you have a fireplace draughts may come down the chimney, ensure the damper is closed when not in use. For draughts coming through the floor you can ensure there aren’t any cracks or gaps in your floors seal, especially around your skirting boards, If you have hard floors adding a rug can greatly improve the warmth by reducing the air flow.Set Your Thermostat -Having a smart or programmable heating system helps to keep your home dry and warm in the most efficient way. Having your home set to a temperature between 18 - 21 is the optimum temperature. Letting your home get below this temperature when you are in it, is when problems start to arise, plus it costs more to then heat your home to a comfortable temperature. The only time we recommend lowering your heating is if you are away on holiday ( but bare in mind you don’t want to allow it to get too cold if you aren’t home for a while as that can lead to a higher risk of burst pipes and damp.)Have a Dehumidifier -A dehumidifier can be a valuable appliance for maintaining a dry and comfortable home. If you have signs of damp this can help to dry them up. Excessive moisture within your home, perhaps from drying washing on radiators can lead to mould and mildew build up and growth which can cause health issues and damage to your home. Where possible use a tumble dryer to dry your clothes, or use a clothes maiden rather than hanging your clothes directly onto radiators. A good dehumidifier also reduces these risks and helps to reduce any musty odours, it can help with allergies and improves energy efficiency.E&M Property Solutions manage a lot of properties in the North West, we know that these are such valuable tips which can help everyone over the winter months to look after their homes and health! Living in England we tend to get some wet, wild and cold winters, so we hope this guide is of value and can help to keep you warm and cosy!
