Preventing Winter Woes: Household Tasks To Tackle Now
Table of Contents
There’s a lot to look forward to when winter arrives, but colder climes can spell trouble for homeowners. Exposure to the elements can increase the risk of damage to our homes and accidents and injuries outside. If you’re on a mission to get ready for winter, here are some household tasks to tackle now.
Roof repairs
Winter is traditionally a time when the weather is more unpredictable and extreme. It’s more common to experience changes in temperature, heavy rainfall, strong winds and even natural disasters, such as flooding, severe storms and blizzards. Making sure your roof is in good condition before winter hits is a good idea for every homeowner. If you’re concerned about your roof, or you’ve noticed signs of damage or wear, it’s best to seek expert advice before temperatures start falling. Find reputable local roofing companies and get some quotes. It’s helpful to ask for recommendations from your neighbors, friends and colleagues and check online reviews. If your roof is already damaged, a storm, a torrential downpour or heavy snow could make the situation much worse, which will not only damage the house but also increase repair costs significantly.
Gutters and drains
Many of us are guilty of leaving it too late when it comes to clearing gutters and drains. We tend to take action once the drains are blocked or our gutters are packed with leaves. It’s important to unblock drains and gutters, but taking preventative action is better than curing the issue. Contacting experts like those at Drain 2 Clear MK can help you keep on top of maintenance and lower the risk of needing professional help further down the line. Experienced professionals can also provide advice if you need urgent assistance for more serious issues, such as water damage caused by cracked pipes.
Insulation
Insulating your home helps to reduce heat loss and keep living spaces warmer for longer. It’s more important than ever to insulate, as studies show that most families are worried about the rising cost of energy bills. More than 75% of US adults are stressed about the increased cost of heating their homes. Adding insulation can create a more comfortable home environment while saving you money. There are many ways to improve heat retention, including replacing old or damaged windows and doors and adding loft and cavity wall insulation. Other examples include sealing door and window frames, plugging gaps and holes in external walls and using draft excluders or door snakes. Research insulation options and compare quotes. It’s beneficial to consider the short and long-term costs and potential savings to help you decide which options are best for your home.
Preventing slips, trips and falls
Snow-covered gardens and driveways blanketed in frost may look picturesque, but they’re a major slip and trip hazard. Icy, slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls, which can cause injuries ranging from cuts and grazes to broken bones and serious head and spinal injuries. As the mercury plunges, it’s best to be prepared for cold spells. Consider adding handrails to steps and walkways if you don’t already have them and stock up on salt and grit to cover surfaces if ice or snow are forecast. It’s also important to make sure that you’ve got suitable footwear if you’re leaving the house on a frosty day.
Winter is just around the corner. While many of us are looking forward to getting cozy on frosty weekends, changes in the weather conditions can be a nightmare for homeowners. It’s important to be prepared to minimize risks and keep your home and family safe. Tackling issues such as repairing your roof, clearing gutters and drains, insulating your home and making your yard safer now can help to keep winter woes at bay.
