The cold weather can bring with it a number of potential pitfalls for homeowners but the good news is there are steps you can take to protect your home before the winter sets in. Your home is your sanctuary so you want to ensure it is in good health to stand up to the adverse winter weather. Here is a list of some of the tasks you can undertake to prepare your home and garden for the cold winter months.
Make sure you have insurance
Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance is a must all year round but it can be particularly prevalent during the winter months. Insurance can help protect you and your finances in times of emergencies such as frozen pipes or weather-damaged property. Be sure to check that all of your insurance payments are intact and that you currently have valid insurance. If not take some out as a matter of priority.
Check your heating systems
Ensure that your heating system is in full working order. The last thing you want to happen is to find out you are in need of a furnace repair or maintenance and that you are without heat when you need it most.
Know what to do in case of a power cut
It never hurts to be prepared in case of a power shortage. Know where you can access torches, light supplies, and heat sources should the mains power not be working for any reason. Being prepared goes beyond ensuring you have a working torch but ensuring you have backup batteries too. Having an incase of an emergency box will stand you in great stead should you be stuck without power for any reason.
Ensure outdoor furniture is secure
If you have outdoor furniture ensure that it is securely fastened or unlikely to be picked up with strong winds. Furniture that is easily moveable during a storm could result in broken windows, damaged property, or furniture. To avoid costly replacing or needing to replace furniture either store inside or ensure it cannot be easily moved.
Check your roof
Checking your roof is essential maintenance that should be carried out each year. You want to be sure that all tiles and fixtures and fittings are securely in situ and unlikely to come loose during any adverse weather. This will also help protect you from leaks. Roof repairs can be costly but are essential so this is another reason you will want to ensure your homeowners’ insurance is intact.
Get your Chimney Swept
If you have a chimney it is important that you maintain it by having it regularly cleaned. This will help prevent blockages and the build-up of soot. This is a quick and inexpensive procedure that will improve the efficiency of your chimney. It will also ensure the maintenance of your chimney.
Insulate
If you haven’t already, be sure that your house is well insulated, including any loft space. Poor insulation can result in losing heating from your house and costing you unnecessary gas prices. So to avoid overpaying for heat this winter and to ensure you benefit from it most invest in high-quality insulation.
