Looking after a home is a year-round thing, and something that you will need to make sure you are thinking about in every season. When it comes to the colder part of the year, there are particular issues you will need to think about in order to make sure that you are doing all you can to keep your home warm, comfortable and cared for.

 

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13 Major Checks to Make on your Home Before Winter

 

 

In this post, we are going to take a look at a few of the important checks you may want to carry out around your home before it gets to winter, giving you plenty of time to fix these issues where necessary. 

 

1. Roof and Gutters

 

• Examine the roof for signs of damage or wear, such as missing shingles or leaks. A compromised roof can lead to water damage and heat loss.
• Check the gutters for clogs and make sure they are in good condition. Proper drainage is essential to prevent ice dams.

Take a look at the roof as best as you can from the ground, to see if there are any obvious repairs that need carrying out. It might be that you can clearly see some slates missing, in which case they will obviously need fixing as soon as possible, and certainly before winter hits. You should also check from inside, where possible. But to get the fullest survey of your roof, make sure that you hire a roofer to take a full look as soon as possible.

 

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2. Heating and Insulation System

 

• Pay close attention to the home’s heating system. Check if it’s functioning properly and efficiently. Ask about the age of the furnace or heating system and when it was last serviced. Also make sure to check furnace filter.
• Inspect the insulation in the walls, attic, and basement. Proper insulation is crucial for keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during the winter.

This is going to be a really important part of being at home in winter. As long as the heating system is working well, it’s going to mean that you are much more comfortable and much warmer in the home, so this is definitely something that you should focus on here. You might need to find some furnace installation services in your area, or you might need a general service on the whole system. In any case, do it now while it’s not yet quite winter, and the prices are lower.

 

3. Plumbing

• • Inspect the plumbing system for any leaks or frozen pipes. Look for signs of water damage or water stains on ceilings and walls.

 

4. Windows and Doors

• • Test the windows and doors for drafts. Cold air infiltration can lead to higher heating costs. Consider whether you may need to invest in window or door replacements.

 

6. Mold

 

If you have any damp or mold around the home, then you’ll want to get it checked out long before winter arrives. It is always a lot harder to deal with this kind of problem in the winter when it gets colder, so it’s something that you should certainly think about sorting out as soon as possible, while it is still dry and relatively warm. This is the kind of issue that can quickly become more and more of a problem, so get in there early and you will be glad that you did.

 

7. Pipes

 

The pipes can freeze in winter, which can be a huge problem as they can then burst. In order to avoid this, it’s best to look at your pipes and see whether you are in need of some care before the winter arrives. If so, you should focus on doing that as soon as possible, and certainly long before it gets really cold. It will be easier to fix and cheaper too, and you’ll be less likely to run into any problems along the way as well. All in all, this is something you really need to think about.