Four tips to prepare your property for winter
We have been moving and storing people’s possessions for many years and we have seen every kind of property in every kind of condition. We know first hand how important it can be for homeowners to do some winter prep that will see them and their home through the most chilly months of the year.
So, don’t be left out in the cold with unwanted bills or maintenance problems, just follow our four top tips and winterproof your property today.
Get the outside in
As the days turn cold and damp it’s time for any garden furniture and outside equipment to retreat indoors. Store these items in a dry shed or outbuilding to keep them in tip top condition over the winter months.
If you don’t have the space to do this consider using a local self storage facility where you can keep your goods safe and dry until the spring.
Wherever you store these items make sure they are clean and dry before you stack them away – if you leave them damp or dirty you will end up with mould to clean off when they emerge in the spring!
Maintain and repair the exterior of your property
Next up is the outside of your property. Examine and fix any cracks, clear leaves and debris from downpipes and sort out loose or cracked roof tiles. Water is great at finding its way into cracks and crevices and causing damp conditions.
Take a good look at all your outside walls, roofing, and guttering and if the job is too big for you to handle get a relevant tradesperson in sooner rather than later.
Insulate your property
Your energy costs might be soaring but don’t let it literally go through the roof! Poorly insulated attic space can be one of the main reasons for heat loss in properties.
Lagging any exposed pipework is also a quick and relatively cheap protective measure which makes sure your house heats evenly and avoids burst pipes.
Keeping your property both warm and ventilated will reduce the occurrence of damp and mould and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
See the section below for details of available grants to help with cost of insulation and other energy efficient measures.
Keep your property warm and dry
An efficient heating system is also important during the colder months. Make sure the heating is working correctly by bleeding radiators and have the heating on a timer.
Taking the time to understand your heating system (not all of them are simple!) and ensuring a low level of regular heat can really pay off. This is especially important if you plan on leaving the property empty for an extended period of time.
Making your home warmer and more energy efficient is a great idea and you may be able to offset some of the costs through the latest available grants. Check out this article on MoneySavingExpert website to see if you could benefit from The Great British Insulation Scheme – MSE
So, by following our four top tips you can hopefully save yourself from any unforeseen bills or property disasters in the coming months and enjoy a warm and cosy winter!
If you are planning a winter move or need some seasonal storage just visit www.yeates.co.uk or email info@yeates.co.uk
