Taking some steps to ‘winterize’ your home can save you money and hassle in the long-term. As we settle in for a wet and windy winter, it’s easy to see the level of damage your property could sustain at this time of year. Unfortunately, many people end up spending far more than the need to because they’ve failed to protect their home from the elements. If you want to keep your property in tip-top condition this year, take a look at these top tips for treating your home well this winter…

1. Clear your gutters

You may not pay much attention to your guttering, but you’ll soon notice if it stops working. When leaves, moss and mildew begin to build up, it can cause the gutters to become blocked. If water can run through them, it’s going to pool in the gutter or make its way inside your home. Clearing your gutters of debris only takes a few minutes but it can prevent damp, leaks and broken drains. If you're looking for certain materials to help your home, Simply Plastics have some of the best plastic on the market. Perfect if you need an entire gutter replacement.

2. Check external taps

Many homeowners have external taps which enable them to connect a hose or sprinkler in the spring and summer months. During the wintertime, however, it’s unlikely you’ll be using your external taps at all. Be sure to disconnect any equipment from them and insulate them so that they don’t freeze when temperatures drop. As well as affecting the integrity of the pipework, extreme temperatures could cause problems all over the property if external taps begin to freeze.

3. Prepare for pets

We all enjoy having somewhere warm and cosy to sleep in the winter and, unfortunately, pests are no different. Mice, rats and squirrels, in particular, will be quick to find a way into your home, especially as lofts and attics generate a lot of heat and are often undisturbed. Taking preventative pest control measures can help to limit the damage. If you want to prevent an infestation, check every area of your home and identify any potential entry points for pests. If you’re unsure, be sure to check with a professional rather than run the risk of pests setting up home in your property. 

4. Test your heating

Following a hot summer and relatively mild winter, you may not have used your heating too much. However, you don’t want to find out that there’s a fault when it’s freezing outside, and your pipes are starting to freeze. Test your boiler and heating system now, so that you can access professional assistance and remedy any faults before the bad weather really hits.

5. Find your stopcock

If something does go awry, there’s a good chance you’ll need to turn off the mains water whilst it’s resolved. Knowing where your stopcock is will enable to access it easily in the event of a flood, leak or a problem with your drains. 

Preparing your home for winter

The festive season is always a busy time, so it’s to forget about winterizing your home in advance. With a few simple checks, however, you can minimise the risk of things going wrong and enjoy a stress-free winter and new year.