With winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the cold months ahead. Before the temperatures drop outside, it’s important you carry out some basic maintenance to ensure your property is ready for the icy weather. Making sure your home is warm and cosy throughout winter is not only important for your comfort, but it’s important for your health too. A cold, damp home can put your health at risk and is dangerous to live in; instead, it’s crucial your house has sufficient insulation and is fully prepared for winter.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together some tips for preparing your home for the cold weather ahead. From having your chimney swept to completing roof repairs, there are lots of things you can do to ensure your home is ready for the upcoming months. Read on for more!

Clear your gutters and drains

Leaves, moss and other debris can get clogged in your drains and gutters, leading to blockages or even a leaky roof and water damage. Your gutterings, drainpipes and overflow pipes should be clear of debris and securely attached to your building so that rainwater can move freely through and drain away from your home. The purpose of your gutters is to control the flow of rainwater to protect your roof, walls and the foundation of your property; if they’re blocked, it can quickly lead to damage.

Before the cold weather sets in, it’s a good idea to clean and clear your gutters and drains. If there are any overhanging trees or branches, it may be wise to cut them back so leaves don’t drop down into your gutters.

Get your chimney swept

Harsh cold weather can cause serious damage to your chimney masonry. As the nights grow darker and the days shorter, there’s no better time than now to start preparing your chimney for lots of use – in fact, there’s a chance you’ve already been using your fireplace more as the temperatures have dropped.

Poor maintenance, irregular cleaning and sweeping and improper inspections are huge contributing factors to chimney fires. We recommend calling up the professionals and scheduling a chimney inspection to ensure everything is in top condition and any necessary repairs can be completed before the harsh weather hits.

Check your roof

During winter, it’s all about keeping your home warm and cosy. Did you know that most of the heat in your home escapes through the roof? To ensure your roof is in top condition for the winter months, it’s important to carry out some basic maintenance and perform a roof inspection. While it’s important to keep an eye on your roof all year round and make sure it’s in good condition, it’s especially important before the cold weather and rain sets in.

Start off by inspecting your attic or loft for any signs of water damage or holes and cracks. Next, take a look at your roof from the outside. Keep an eye out for broken, cracked or missing shingles or any other signs of damage. Remember, climbing on your roof is very dangerous and therefore you should only inspect your roof from the ground. For a professional inspection or high-quality repairs, make sure you get in touch with a reliable roofing company.

Insulate your loft

If you can’t remember the last time you checked your loft insulation, it’s time to take a look. Over time, insulation can break down and become less effective. Taking the time to replace your insulation or repairing and replacing areas of insulation that has worn down or slumped over the years will save you money on your heating bills and improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Insufficient insulation can cost you hundreds in heating bills each year; without the correct insulation in place, your heating system has to work harder to heat up your home.

Bleed your radiators

With the above in mind, there are a few extra things you can do to ensure your home is heated efficiently. If your radiators aren’t working properly, you could be wasting money on heating your home. You can check whether radiators around your home are working efficiently by turning the heating on and seeing if the radiator becomes hot. If your radiator is cold at the top and warm at the bottom, it needs bleeding.

Before you bleed your radiator, make sure you turn your heating system off. You should have a cloth and the bleed key handy. At the top of the radiator, locate the valve and turn it anti-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound. Once the water begins to flow, tighten the valve to close it again. Use the cloth to catch any water that drips from the valve to minimise mess.

Upgrade your boiler

Have you noticed your home doesn’t warm up quite as quickly as it used to? Can you even remember the last time you had your boiler serviced? Each year, many homeowners forget to get their boiler serviced, but failing to have it professionally inspected could lead to a whole myriad of problems and even put your health at risk.

All year round, it’s important to look out for the tell-tale signs your boiler needs replacing, such as strange sounds, odd smells, leaks and high energy bills. However, it’s still important to get your boiler serviced regularly and upgrade it when required.

Upgrading your boiler to a new energy-efficient model could save you hundreds of pounds on energy bills over the next year and ensure you and your family remain safe. A faulty boiler can be extremely dangerous and put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning so it’s important to keep on top of boiler maintenance.

Make your home cosy

Finally, once you’ve done all of the basic maintenance around your home in preparation for winter, it’s time to complete the finishing touches. To ensure your home is truly ready for the cold months ahead, take the time to make some little alterations around your home. Laying down rugs over floorboards can help stop cold air entering your home through gaps, whereas investing in thermal curtains can help to keep old cold air out of a room.

It’s also worth taking the time to block out any draughts. A draughty home can be difficult to heat and you could find yourself wasting money on energy bills. While draught excluders can be placed under doors to keep cold air out, you can also seal windows and doors to trap warm air in your home. Don’t forget to stock up on plenty of hot chocolate for the cold months ahead, too!

James Dunn Roofing Ltd: Oxford’s Leading Roofing Contractor

If you’re looking for a reliable company to inspect and repair your roof or maintain your chimney, look no further than James Dunn Roofing Ltd. We understand how unpredictable the weather can be here in the UK and how important it is to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead, which is why we offer unparalleled roofing services in Oxford. Our experts can inspect, maintain and repair your roof and chimney, ensuring you’re completely ready for the cold temperatures ahead.

To learn more about us, visit our website.