When the biting winter season is approaching, it’s important that you take the time to prepare your home for the colder, wetter, and windier weather that lies ahead. To ensure you and your family remain warm and cosy through the winter months, you’ll have to get your property ready to weather it all. Prepping your home in advance will also help to prevent any potential damage to your home in the event of hail or an electrical storm.
Before you get to work on preparing the exterior of your home for winter, however, you may first decide to turn your attention to your interiors, just to make sure that they’re set up to be warm and cosy. Get some warm blankets, throws, cushions, and pillows to make your living rooms and bedrooms a little cosier. Light some candles to create a warm inviting glow in your interior, and make sure that your cabinets are stocked with plenty of tea and hot chocolate to get you through those cold winter nights. Finally, make sure that you have an electric heater on standby to amp up the heat on those chillier evenings.
Once the interior is ready, you can start preparing the rest of your home for the cold weather ahead. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to get your property ready for the winter months.
Clean Your Drains And Gutters
Failing to clear out your gutters and drains before winter arrives, could result in damage to your property, structural issues with your roof, or even flooding. If your gutters and drains are clogged and there is heavy rain, they may be susceptible to overflowing, potentially causing major damage to your property. Be sure to take action early to prevent a domestic disaster this winter season.
Assess Your Trees
Once autumn has done its duty, you’ll be able to clearly see the branches of any trees surrounding your property. If any of them look damaged, half-broken or loose, it’s important that you take action quickly. The last thing you want is for a tree branch to snap during a storm and come crashing down on your home in the middle of winter.
With preventative action, you can keep your home safe in the event of unexpectedly high winds.
Check Your Heating System
To keep your heating system operating efficiently, you should have it serviced regularly, and a month or so before winter is a great time to get this task done. Get in touch with a home heating specialist to examine your system, and make any necessary repairs before the temperatures start to drop. By doing so, you’ll be ensuring that you and your family stay nice and cosy throughout the season.
Fix Any Cracks Or Holes
Check the exterior of your home for any cracks, holes or other gaps where draughts could get in and wreak chilly havoc. Some common problem areas to pay attention to are around your windows and doors, and any location where piping or wiring enters your home. Seal up any gaps that you find to ensure that your interior heat stays in, keeping your home warm and your energy bills down simultaneously. Taking the time to fill any holes or cracks will also keep pests at bay. As cooler weather generally prompts common household pests to seek a warm place to nest during the winter, you’ll want to ensure that this ‘warm place’ does not become your home.
Take The Time To Prepare Your Home For Winter So You Stay Safe And Cosy
Following the tips above will not take long and will give you much more peace of mind when winter rolls around. When you’re sitting in with your family on a dark, cold winter’s night and there’s a storm howling outside, you will be glad that you took the time to prepare your home for winter. With more peace of mind, you can enjoy the solitude of winter and hibernate in peace, knowing you, your family, and your home have been equipped with a sturdy shield against the raging elements of this season.
