Freezing temperatures and severe storms don’t just cause problems on the roads in winter, they can also cause damage to your home and, let’s face it, the last thing you want is some unexpected emergency on the coldest day of the year and the potential costs that brings. So, here are our simple maintenance tips to ensure your home survives the winter no matter what the weather. Our quick tips will give you peace of mind during the cold winter months.
- Avoid frozen pipes – Frozen pipes can be a disaster in the midst of a cold snap, when water freezes in the pipes, the ice molecules expand, putting pressure on the water between the ice and the (closed) tap until the pressure builds to such a degree that the pipe will burst. To avoid this situation ensure that you have your heating on a constant low temperature (around 14 degrees centigrade should be sufficient) to avoid them freezing. It’s also a good idea to insulate your pipes using foam padding to stop them freezing. If your water supply is located in an unheated space, such as your loft, make sure that you eliminate any drafts that may further cool the area.
- What about strong winds and winter storms? Give the outside of your home and garden a good look over checking for any precarious looking tree branches, wonky fences (that may need repairing now before the winds hit) or missing or loose roof slates that may need replacing. Secure any garden furniture, kids trampolines etc. – or better still store them in the shed or garage – any loose items can turn into dangerous and destructive missiles during a severe storm.
- Guttering and blocked drains – A lot of winter problems arise from debris such as leaves filling up your guttering during winter, so be sure to regularly clear dead leaves from your gutters before they become a problem, or invest in a drain guards which can easily be bought online, this will also stop leaves etc. causing blockages to your external drains.
- Winter storms or flooding often cause power cuts, make sure you are prepared for this eventuality; make a note of the Electricity Distribution Network Operator which is 103. Also have torches (and batteries) plus candles handy should the power go out.
- Disconnect external hoses – Do not leave water-filled hoses outside in the winter, they will freeze at the first cold snap and this will damage the hose. If you leave it connected to an external tap the ice could back up the hose into your plumbing system causing damage to the pipes causing them to crack.
- Locate your Stop cock – Ensure you know where your stop cock is located and that it is good working order, so that should a pipe burst you can quickly turn off the water supply.
- Lastly, even taking the precautions above, damage cannot always be avoided so make sure your building insurance is up to date and covers what you need to protect.
We hope these winter tips help you have a trouble free winter.
Even using the above tips, sometimes things go wrong, so when they do remember Construction Groundworks Specialists offer local building services to Hull and the surrounding areas. Just call 07592 663463 or 07592 663463 for an accurate estimate, superior work and great service, any time you need building repair or installation work.