Winter is Coming...
Winter is swiftly approaching. We can all feel it can't we?! The morning dew is more like frost and there is a tingle in the air that signifies the coming of winter... Nights are getting darker sooner, and mornings are generally a pretty miserable affair... It's also that time of year when hot chocolate sales surge and the hedgehogs get ready to go for a prolonged nap... #Jealous #I-want-to-be-a-hedgehog.
But in the home there are certain steps that you can take to ensure you have winter proofed your home. For example, it would be initially wise to get up on the roof and have a look at the guttering. Last thing you need in mid December is a blocked drainage gutter. Get up there sooner rather than later to check for any build ups or blockages prior to the inevitable fall - it really can save you time, money and potential damage. When the ice comes it's only going to be harder to clean up any debris. Furthermore, if the gutters are full of rotting leaves, water can back up against the house, subsequently damaging the roof. This can cause pools of frozen water and may dampen the exterior walls of the house.
It is also advised to disconnect any external hoses or pipes. If the pipes freeze, they may expand as the ice sets, causing burst pipes and potential flooding. Precaution is the best approach, after all as Paul Blart would say 'safety never takes a Holiday'!
Secondly, if you live in a colder area, or perhaps in an older house, it could be a good idea to assess how air tight your windows and door frames are. If there is a significant gap in the frames, it is advised to reapply exterior caulk. Immune to the elements, silicone caulk is waterproof, shrinking proof and immune to the elements! A wonder of a product that really does help with insulation!
Do you burn a log fire over winter? Before you get the fire going check that the chimney vents and passages are clear. It may be worthwhile getting in a professional chimney sweep to tackle this. A clear chimney will prevent chimney fires and subsequently carbon monoxide from creeping into your home.
Lastly, have you considered how you shall dry your clothes this winter? If you do not have one already, the Sheila Maid® clothes airer is the perfect solution to indoor drying, especially when you can't get your washing outside on the line. Instead of cooking your clothes like the electric dryer, the Sheila Maid® allows the user to make use of the naturally rising warm air from within the home. This economic solution is based on the Victorian pulley system, and is a favourite among UK homes! The Sheila Maid® is easy to assemble and provides a stylish edition to the home! The Sheila Maid® can be purchased here!
This concludes our checklist of winter preparations... Hopefully it will be a useful reference point for winter proofing your home! Do you have any tips for winter that you would like to share? Why not comment on our Facebook page!