How To Weatherproof A Home

The upkeep of roofs, guttering and external fixtures is an essential habit to ensure your home is kept tight against extreme weather. Clearing gutters of leaves and debris will prevent damage when heavy rainfall hits. It is also important to check that chimneys, aerials, entertainment dishes, cctv, and tiles are secured firmly in place in case of strong winds.

Windy conditions can lead to outbuildings or garden features being blown over or broken, so getting the right fixtures to keep things firmly in place can prevent damage. For example, making sure lock-ups and sheds are fully bolted will prevent items from getting swept up, while investing in good external fittings will ensure gates and perimeter fences are kept shut.

Regular maintenance and use of your heating system will prevent a malfunction when its needed most in the winter months, and this can include checking for trapped air in your radiators, bleeding them where required, and checking that your boiler and thermostat are all working correctly. You can also flush the system of scale, sludge and corrosion by using an inhibitor to prolong its life.

We all know that cold climates can cause pipes to freeze - or worse burst - so it is important to make sure pipework in a home is tip top before heading into a cold snap. This means running regular checks, replacing temperamental pipes, or adding extra insulation to those that will be affected by colder conditions, like those that span an exterior wall or ones found in an attic.

The right seals can make the difference between a well-protected home and those affected by damp, so ensure areas that are susceptible to the elements, like entrances, exits and window fittings, are fully sealed and regularly maintained before the winter. Seals that show signs of shrinking or cracking indicate areas where damp can creep in.

Like windows and doorways, laundry devices are another way that condensation can build up in the home. This is due to the warmer temperature it creates compared to the wintry weather outside. Condensation can lead to damp and mould if left untreated, so ensure washing and drying machines are always well vented with the right equipment to prevent this.