If you’re a homeowner in the UK, then you know that winter can be tough on your home. From the cold weather to the wet conditions, it’s important to make sure that your home is properly maintained during this time of year. Luckily, we’ve got some great tips from experienced estate agents who know a thing or two about keeping homes in tip-top shape.
Check your gutters and downpipes to prevent water damage
While keeping your gutters and downpipes clean from leaves and debris may seem daunting, it is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home from potentially costly water damage. If left unchecked, heavy winds and rain could cause them to overflow, leading to floods that can result in significant structural damage. Investing a little time and energy now into checking your gutters and downpipes will save you from having to shell out money for costly repairs later on.
Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged tiles
A missing or damaged tile on your roof can have catastrophic consequences if it is not attended to promptly. This is why regular inspections of your roof are essential to identify any problems early. Pay specific attention to tiles along the ridge line, Apex and eaves as these are the areas that tend to suffer the most wear and tear over time. If necessary, call a professional who is qualified in roof repairs and replacements to ensure that you’re getting the best job possible done. Don’t let damage on your roof slip through the cracks – take proactive steps now to inspect and make sure that your roof remains intact.
Service your boiler and central heating system
Regularly servicing your boiler and central heating system is one of the best ways to ensure that these important home systems are running efficiently. If you don’t service them regularly, then you can risk other expensive repair bills and inefficient heat output. Serving also increases your system’s lifespan and can alert you to any potential problems before they arise allowing you to schedule repairs or replacement parts ahead of time. With proper maintenance, your boiler and central heating system will remain in tip-top condition all year round, saving both money and energy in the long run.
Bleed your radiators to get rid of any air pockets
Bleeding radiators is a simple, yet critical task to keep your heating system running properly. Otherwise, air pockets form in the pipes and prevent heat from entering your room or home. The process is straightforward – all you need is a radiator key and some patience! To start, locate your radiator’s bleed valve and place the key into it. Gently turn it counter-clockwise until you feel resistance and hear a hissing sound – that’s where the air escapes. Once air starts emitting, close the valve right away to prevent any hot water from leaking out. You’ll know you’ve done it properly once you hear uninterrupted warm air coming out of your radiators. Bleeding your radiators regularly will help ensure maximum power output without fail, giving you peace of mind through even the coldest winter months!
Wrap exposed pipes in insulation to prevent them from freezing
During the cold winter months, it is especially important to give pipes extra protection from freezing temperatures and keep them from bursting. By wrapping any exposed pipes in insulation material, you can prevent them from freezing over and causing you costly damage. Such materials are also extremely affordable and easily installed, making them an ideal solution to ensure that your pipes stay safe during the winter. Furthermore, if you take the time to insulate these pipes now, you will be thankful for your efforts come springtime when there are no issues related to frozen or burst pipes!
Make sure you have salt and sand on hand to treat icy walkways and driveways
Winter can bring a lot of beautiful sights and experiences, but a big downside is all the ice it can leave in its wake. Make sure you are prepared for this icy onslaught by ensuring you always have enough salt and sand on hand to treat icy walkways and driveways. An ounce of prevention goes a long way – scatter salt or sand over slippery surfaces before use to add extra traction. This will help make winter outings a much safer experience, as well as keep your family safe from icy slips and falls!
Selling a house in the winter is an exciting but daunting task. It’s important to make sure your house is ready by doing some routine maintenance and making preparations for particularly cold winters. Check that your gutters are clear and inspect your roof for any issues, as well as servicing your boiler and central heating system. Bleeding radiators and wrapping up exposed piping are also important tasks when preparing to sell a home during or after winter. Be sure to stock up on salt and sand to treat icy patches outside of your home – this could help give potential buyers few qualms while they look around outside. Put yourself at ease by tackling all the necessary tasks to prepare your house for a winter sale, then contact our Estate Agents Billericay team and get market-ready with confidence!
