Home-Owner’s Pre-Winter Checklist from M&R Renovations Builders Plymouth

As the nights start drawing in and you feel that crispness in the air, it is easy to come up with reasons for putting off those pre-winter checks around the home. The idea of scrambling along damp gutters and unblocking air vents aren’t exactly the jobs people look forward to when buying a new home, but they do come with the territory and could save you a small fortune in the long run. If you were under the impression that a quick central heating test will suffice, you’d be mistaken, for preparing your home for the winter months requires more than just boiler breakdown and brittle pipes. Use our winter guide to stay one step ahead of the big chill this year and remember – professionals love the jobs you hate!

Insulation

‘Energy saving’ is a term bandied about by everyone during autumn months, but it isn’t just the environment that could benefit from a few strategic changes. From retaining heat energy, to driving down the cost of your fuel bills, insulation should be at the top of your checklist.

• Check that you have enough loft insulation. The current building regulations require a total of 270mm of mineral wool insulation, 100mm between the ceiling joists and an extra 170mm laid on top (at 90 degrees to the first layer) covering the bottom layer and the joists. While looking at your loft insulation, check that it does not interfere with the ventilation points near the soffits.
• If your home does not have cavity wall insulation, consider having this use installed. With subsidies it may only cost a small amount and pay for itself in one to three years.

Exterior Walls, Windows and Woodwork

Bricks and mortar tend to be the last thing on anyone’s mind when preparing for winter, yet they often suffer the greatest damage during the cold winter months. From rising damp and mildew, to rotting wooden window frames, not protecting your home’s exterior can lead to huge repair bills.

• Check the condition of mortar and mortar joints. If you notice signs of crumbling and decay, ask a professional to take a look before you get damp problems.
• Touch up exterior paint if you notice any areas of chipping or cracking. This is especially important for wooden doors or frames, since changes in temperature, coupled with wet weather will cause wood to sag, shrink and, worse still, rot.
• Caulk or fill any gaps around pipes, door frames and windows.
• Check for signs of decay or weathering of putty around window frames and replace as necessary. If your home is still fitted with wooden windows, you may want to consider an upgrade for optimum energy saving efficiency and insulation.

Guttering, Ducts and Pipes

Winter is that one time of year when dodging buildings becomes compulsory, if you’re to arrive at work bone dry. Guttering showers are a common characteristic of uncleared or cracked gutters yet this is surprisingly inexpensive to fix.

• Stop exterior pipes freezing by turning off the water flow to any exterior taps, then open the exterior tap to clear any water in the pipes. Also, wrap the pipe and tap with insulation.
• Clean debris from your roof and gutters.
• Check guttering, valleys and downpipes for blockages, cracking and birds’ nests. In some cases, the job can be too big for one person and if repairs or replacements are needed, it can be both safer and more cost-effective to call in the professionals.
• If you have an open fire, check to see if the chimney needs sweeping – you may be about the use the fire a lot!
• Check for signs of damaged flashing or tiles, as problems here may well render gutter repairs a waste of time during heavy downpours.

Fences and Gardens

Pondering the fate of your perennials shouldn’t be your only consideration for the garden this winter. Staying one step ahead of possible storms will help avoid winter emergencies.

• Clear all exterior culverts and drains on a regular basis during autumn. It is surprising how quickly a drain can become blocked with fallen leaves.
• Check the condition of fencing and walls. If necessary, book maintenance work well in advance of the wet season.
• Treat your patios, pathways and concrete driveway with a moss preventative substance.
• Ensure any wooden decking is adequately proofed using a weather resistant paint or varnish.
• Assess ground drainage around the house to encourage rainwater to flow away from building foundations.

With a few simple checks and a small investment of time and money you can avoid expensive and unpleasant winter disasters.

From the Team at M&R Renovations

Builders Plymouth

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