Over the course of the year there are so many things we have to think about that we tend to put caring for our house at the bottom of the list. Realistically, our houses should always come first. They are a long term investment for us and our families. We should be taking the time to make sure that we are caring for them in as best a way as possible.
Here is a list of the typical problems families are faced with during the year’s seasons as well as tips to make sure that any damage is as small as possible. If you stay on top of this, your home and your wallet will be much happier in the long run.
Roof damage
When you should be preparing – All year round
Damage your roof is possible at any time of the year. The trick is to remain vigilant and inspect it regularly for problems. If you notice your roof leaking or light shining through, your roof may be damaged. You can give your roof a protective layer to shield it from the elements. Make sure that any falling snow, rain or hail can drain off properly without getting stuck on top too.
Look after your boiler
When you should be preparing – Winter
The last thing you want on a dark and freezing winter morning is to be without warm water or heating. Your boiler works its hardest during the colder months, so this is the time when you want to make sure it can work to the best of its ability. When it is really cold outside it is a great idea to keep your heating on for at least one hour a day. If you are going away, it is worth programming your boiler to turn on for that amount of time too. This will help your boiler to keep ticking along.
Another thing you should be making sure to do is to check your boiler pressure gauge. You don’t want it to be too high or too low – around the one bar mark is good. Bear in mind that bleeding a radiator can sometimes cause the pressure to drop and usually isn’t a cause for concern.
Watch out for yourself
When you should be preparing – All year round
It isn’t just your house you should be concerned about, but yourself too. Falling branches can cause damage to your home and injury to yourself if severe enough. Throughout the year, loose branches or dead wood can fall if they aren’t taken care of. Whether it be a harsh winter wind or a summer thunderstorm, you could find yourself with many fallen branches. Be sure to keep an eye on your trees and if you see any damaged tree limbs, call in a landscaper or tree surgeon.
Show your pipes some love
When you should be preparing – Winter
During the winter, depending on how cold it gets, your pipes can be at risk of freezing. When your pipes freeze, they can then burst which causes a whole world of problems by damaging your home and belongings. Avoid frozen pipes by programming the central heating to come on during the day. Let warm air circulate around the pipes. Therefore, if your pipes are under the sink, keep the cupboard door open to let the air move around. If your pipes do freeze, try to warm them with a hot water bottle to melt the ice. If the pipe bursts, turn the water supply off straight away and make sure to call a plumber!
Keep those nasty drafts out
When you should be preparing – Autumn and Winter
It isn’t just the big things you need to worry about. There are simple ways to save money by taking care of the little things too. Something as small as a draft excluder can keep those cold drafts out of your house and outside where they belong. Keeping your house warm means you won’t have to turn your heating on for as long to get rid of that cold chill lurking around your house. Another way to keep heat in is to insulate your loft. Hot air rises, so if it can escape through the roof you will spend more on your heating bill.
Prevent against possible flooding
When you should be preparing – Spring, Autumn, Winter
Depending on where you live in the country, your home could be at risk of flooding. If you know there is heavy rain coming, sandbags could help to protect in the short term. On top of that, tiled flooring and rugs rather than carpets are a lot easier to replace or clean. In the winter you could also face flooding from melting snow. Try to shovel it away from the doors or entrances to your home. Make sure that there are no obstructions to stop it from draining away from your house when it melts. If you are really worried, it is worth moving expensive items to a higher level in your house to stop them from being damaged.
Don’t let your lawn dry out
When you should be preparing – Summer and possibly Spring and Autumn
If you take real pride in your garden, you need to make sure you are keeping the lawn freshly watered. In the hot summer sun the blades of grass will dry out and die, turning a sad brown colour. If this happens it can be a big hassle to replace the turf. Try to keep your lawn watered as much as possible. Lawn sprinklers will help you to create a routine.
Watch out for outer damage
When you should be preparing – All year round
There are harmful UV rays present all year round. These can damage the exterior of your house over time. If you live in a log cabin, Wetherall log cabin stain will give greater protection and longevity to wood surfaces and fight off those UV rays.
Stop ice dams in their tracks
When you should be preparing – Winter
Ice dams form when water freezes into a wall of ice along the edge of your roof. This can stop water from dripping into your guttering and draining away. The water can then find a way into your home, if your roof isn’t strong enough. To avoid this from happening it is really important to clear out the guttering along your roof. Before a storm comes, remove things like leaves or other debris to clear them out of the way. The water will then be able to flow freely through the guttering. You can also add guttering guards to help with the buildup of debris.
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