Winter is coming! And even if you're not a Stark, this advice from HBO's award-winning show Game of Thrones is still worth listening too.
Here are three ways in which you can make sure your home is going to stand strong against the wind and snows. These winter home maintenance tips will help you keep your abode safe and snug this year as Christmas approaches:
1) Exterior Walls - Inspect for Cracks or Blisters
Your first line of defense against the encroaching weather, the outside walls of your property bear a closer inspection. If your walls are painted, you might be surprised how much a new coat will help protect the material, and the integrity of your house as a whole.
Before going ahead with this, check for gaps or cracks - especially near to the foundations, windows, or extractor fan outlets. These should be carefully filled with caulk. The extractor fan can also be an entrance for bugs and other wildlife seeking a warm place to spend the winter to enter your home. You can buy heavy duty screens and cloths to hang across them.
2) Weather Stripping - Check for Wear or Lay Some Down
Take a look around your doors and windows and you should easily be able to see the weather stripping that's already in place. This stripping prevents cold air from entering so easily, allowing you to keep your heating bills down. Replace these strips if they're looking worn or tired, and any caulking around windows and doors should also be re-laid to make sure it's up to the task at hand.
3) Heating - Old School and New Methods
It's getting cold outside, so sings Tom Jones. So how are you going to be keeping warm this winter? Consider aspects related to keeping your home cosy and warm:
- Log burning fires - obviously stocking up on firewood is step number one if you've got one of these beauties in your home. Make sure your have enough to get you through all of the winter and colder Autumn months.
- Fires in the hearth - make sure you get your chimney cleaned if you're planning on burning anything in your hearth. During the summer and spring, disuse can lead to animals taking up residence, and a build up of creosote. Unless you've got some training and tools yourself, you'll probably need a professional chimney sweep for this one.
- Window air conditioning units - now's the time to remove any systems of this type that you've got fitted. If you can't easily remove them, purchase a well-fitted cap to make sure that your home remains well insulated.
Of course, the alternative is always to hire a handyman to take care of things for you. Remember though - if you're hiring a handyman in London, check their credentials and some of their background history first. You'll want an experienced, trained expert - preferably one that comes fully insured, and from a respectable company.
Should You DIY?
While there are many things to be said for Doing It Yourself, the money you might initially save can be minor - at least compared to the long-term advantages of having someone who really knows what they're doing taking care of the problem for you. Consider carefully whether you have the:
- Skills - some tasks, like placing window air conditioning covers, obviously require little more than purchasing the correct size of item. Others, like chimney sweeping for example, should always be undertaken by a specialist.
- Equipment - there are many different varieties of caulk and weather stripping available, for instance. Make sure that you're using the right kinds to stand up to weather conditions. If in doubt, ask in your hardware store, or consult a professional.
