AUTUMN/WINTER PREP
TOP TIPS
ON HOW TO WINTER- PROOF THE HOME
DIY Week discusses the steps customers should take to ensure their homes are properly prepared for the cooler and wetter autumn and winter months with an expert spokesman from
Checkatrade.com
– taking the necessary steps now to prepare your home against the harsh elements will likely pay off in the long run as it’ll prevent inconvenient and potentially costly call-outs. When
W concerned undertaking about work tackling it
ith boiler breakdowns, leaky roofs and frozen pipes common
across the winter months
Winter-proofing tips To help with this preparation, Checkatrade has shared some top tips on how to winter-proof your home, in five simple steps.
on
the home, it’s vital that customers consult a verified tradesperson with good customer reviews if they are
themselves, to ensure the job will be completed to the highest standard with the lowest stress. Checkatrade does at least 12 checks on every single member, meaning our trusted trade experts are second to none when it comes to planning your next home project.
20 DIY WEEK AUGUST 2020
1 2
Check your boiler and heating system - Usage of your boiler and heating system will be ramping up throughout autumn and winter, so it’s a good idea to get it serviced in advance. Get in touch with a local, trusted plumber now to get a routine check booked in ahead of the winter
rush to ensure
everything is working properly and there aren’t any niggles that might prove problematic or costly further down the road.
Clean your gutters - Gutters are likely not at the top of the ‘to- do’
list, but obstructions such as dead leaves and moss, which
have accumulated throughout the warmer months, can cause clogging that can lead to all manner of drainage issues – including roof rotting or even foundation damage. Cleaning them out now could prevent an expensive and inconvenient repair.
If it’s not something you fancy doing yourself – or if your gutters are in awkward to reach locations – finding a reputable gutter cleaning service could be money well spent. Checkatrade has created a handy gutter cleaning cost guide.
3
Tackle the gaps - Draught-proofing your home is a great way to prepare for the colder months and will ensure you aren’t wasting energy. Check for any gaps in windows, doors and tiles which you can fill up using caulking or sealant; this will prevent both chilly air - and
any unwanted rodents – coming into your home.
4 5
Check your insulation - Most of a house’s heating is lost through walls and the attic, so it’s worth making sure you have insulation around pipes, the basement and across the top floor of your home as it not only reduces drafts, but cuts down on heating costs and reduces outside noise.
Regulate your heating - Although it’s nice to keep the house warm and toasty at all times, it can lead to high bills. Make sure to use your thermostat on a timer so that the temperature is turned down during the night, and also whilst you’re away.
n Find a certified tradesperson at
www.checkatrade.com
www.diyweek.net
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