Winter Home Maintenance Tasks

Now that autumn is upon us and the colder months of winter are just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get on with some simple home maintenance tasks. 

Undertaking these basic jobs will not only reduce the risk of problems over the winter, they’ll also help save you money on your utility bills. 

Service Your Heating

The first thing that should be on your list at this time of year is to arrange a service for your heating. The last thing you want over the winter is for the boiler to break down. 

Servicing not only allows for preventative maintenance, it makes sure your heating is optimised which means you won’t spend as much on your gas, oil or electricity bill over the winter. 

Boost Your Insulation

The next thing you should do is pop up into the loft and check the insulation; loft insulation needs to be about 279mm thick to provide the right level of protection. If your insulation hasn’t been replaced for a few years, it probably isn’t quite to this standard. Adding an extra layer can add a few degrees of warmth especially when it gets really cold. 

Clear Your Gutters and Check Roof Tiles

Most people tend to forget about their roof and the guttering unless something goes wrong. In autumn the leaves are falling off the trees, the winds are getting stronger and it’s easy for gutters to get blocked with all sorts of debris. 

While you have someone up on the roof, you also need to check the tiles to make sure they are all in place and give your chimneys the once over, especially if you have a wood burner. If you have wooden fascia and soffits, make sure there are no problems with peeling paintwork. 

If you think your roof would benefit from some professional attention before winter properly sets in, get in touch with the experts at MPK Lofts who can ensure your roof is all set for the season ahead.

Check for Draughts

The surest way to lose heat is through draughts, particularly in older homes. Better draught-proofing is essential for windows and doors and the start of winter is a great time to get it refreshed. Go round your house and check the seals. If they are hardened or look as though they have seen better days, it’s time to change. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes. 

Update Your Security 

When the nights begin to draw in earlier and earlier, security is of prime importance; if you haven’t checked your locks properly for a while, it’s a good idea to do so before winter begins. Look at areas like doors and windows but also exterior gates and other places with access, such as the garage if you have one. 

Give Your Exterior Some Care and Attention

Another thing you can do is check your exterior walls for any damage or places that need a coat of paint to protect them against the more severe weather or simple cracks and holes that require filling. In the winter, these areas can be subject to damp and trapped water might then freeze, causing more damage. 

Clear the Garden

Of course, once the worst of autumn is over, you’ll want to clear your garden and get it ready for winter. This also includes checking areas like fencing and walls to make sure they are in good condition. 

Insulate Outdoor Pipes

One small job you can do is insulate any outdoor pipes that need it or replace old insulation. The danger of burst pipes obviously rises in the winter and a little DIY maintenance right now can save a lot of bother when you least expect it. 

If you have any work that you needs undertaking on your home, contact the professional team at MPK Lofts today to find out how we can help. As well as roof repair, our construction experts can help you with home improvements such as loft conversions, garage conversions and extensions, at every step of the journey from planning and design to actual construction.