The home’s role as your protection becomes even more vital in the winter, when the cold and rain can pose a significantly greater hazard to your health. However, your home needs a little protection, as well. As such, we’re going to look at some of the seasonal hazards that can most compromise its functions, and how you can stay on top of them throughout the cold season.
CHECK OUT YOUR ROOF FIRST AND FOREMOST
Your roof is your home’s first defence against harsh winter weather, so keeping it in good condition is essential. Before the coldest months arrive, inspect for missing, loose, or broken tiles, as these can let in water, snow, and draughts. You should also take a closer look at roof components that can come loose due to wind pressure, such as flashing around chimneys and skylights. Working with a roofing professional can ensure that any issues are spotted ahead of time, before the weather can exacerbate the issue.
KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAR
During the year and especially in the fall, it’s easy for leaves, dirt, and debris to get kicked up and blown into your gutters, while moss can easily grow in there quite naturally. This might not prove too much of an issue in dryer seasons, but when the rain and melting snow come, it can get a lot more serious. Invest in gutter cleaning at least once a year. Otherwise, they can become blocked and overflow, allowing water to seep into the home, or they can even form heavy icicles that can become a huge health risk from overhead.
PREVENT A CRISIS BY INSULATING YOUR PIPES
Your plumbing can also be susceptible to the cold. When the temperature reduces drastically, the small amounts of water present in pipes can cause them to freeze, expand, and eventually burst. A small leak can easily become a flood, with extensive and expensive water damage that you have to repair after. The best way to prevent this is by insulating your pipes. Focus on vulnerable areas such as lofts, basements, garages, and outdoor taps, which tend to be hit by the cold first and worst.
STRENGTHEN YOUR BOUNDARY AGAINST THE WEATHER
Letting the cold into your home can worsen problems, from stressing out your HVAC systems ot creating the conditions for mold and risking your pipes getting cold. As such, make sure that your home is well-insulated and that any air leaks are covered up. Check on your loft insulation to ensure that it’s in good condition and inspect the weak points in the home’s seal, such as the doors and windows. Using weatherstripping or caulk can close up air gaps, keeping the warm air in and the cold air out.
Stay vigilant and stay mindful of the impact that winter weather can have on your home. The sooner that you’re able to identify and fix the problem, the less expensive it’s likely to be and the easier it is to relax in a cosy, warm, effective home.
