Winter will be here soon, and with it comes the threat of severe weather that can wreak havoc on your home. High winds can loosen roof tiles, colder temperatures can freeze water pipes and heavy rainfall can result in flood damage. As the Met Office has already predicted record-breaking rainfall this winter, now is the time to winter-proof your house.
Follow these 10 simple tips to prepare your home for winter:
- Inspect the roof and replace any cracked tiles.
- Clear the gutters and drains of leaves and debris.
- Inspect the seals around windows and doors to ensure that they are tight.
- Ensure that insulation is in place on boilers, water pipes, tanks and in lofts.
- Isolate any outside taps, and turn them off at their stopcocks. This will prevent freezing and subsequent bursting.
- Bleed your radiators and have your boiler serviced.
- Ensure that any trees close to your property are not in danger of being blown over and causing damage.
- Ensure that outbuildings, such as sheds and greenhouses, are in good repair and able to withstand stormy conditions.
- Stock up on candles and batteries for torches in case of power failure.
- Know where your stopcock is so you can turn it off if a pipe bursts.