As the temperature drops, our home’s become more susceptible to an array of issues, especially as far as the exterior is concerned. Therefore, any responsible homeowner will winterproof their home’s exterior in anticipation of the winter months. Winter brings with it the threat of cold temperatures, harsh winds, and wet storms; consequently, our homes need reinforcements more than ever. There are many ways to help your home combat the effects of winter, as listed below. Discover to keep your home ship shape even when the weather is far from forgiving.
Winterproof: Inspect Your Roof
Firstly, your roof being in good condition is essential to your home being capable of combatting the effects of winter. Whether you’re in New York City or Leeds, roof repairs are an essential feature of home maintenance. Your roof is what protects your home from everything above, whether that be rain, snow, or even sun. Therefore, your roof needs to be in tip-top condition, especially during the winter months. It’s wise to have a professional roofer carry out an inspection, as to work at such a height requires thorough training for safety purposes.
Winterproof: Coat Brickwork in Water Repellent
Damp and mold problems are rife in winter, meaning water repellent on your brickwork is always a good idea. You may think that the thickness of bricks would be enough to shield your home from penetrating damp, but some harsh rains can soak through masonry over two feet thick. Similarly, your bricks will be joined via mortar, which can become porous over time. The best solution for waterproofing your brickwork will depend on whether your home is painted or not. Regardless of the one you choose, it will need to be completely breathable and compatible with all manner of materials.
Check Exterior Walls
Regardless of whether your home is built from brick and mortar or timber, you need to make sure you check your exterior walls. As far as bricks are concerned, you’ll need to ensure that your pointing isn’t worn, and your bricks aren’t porous. When it comes to timber, you’ll need to ensure that there aren’t any cracks and no signs of rot or woodboring insects. This way, you can guarantee that your home won’t suffer from damp issues, and it will remain stable throughout the winter and beyond. Should you find any problems, you should contact a professional as soon as possible.
Unblock Drains and Guttering
Your drains and guttering are responsible for directing water away from your home, making them an essential for the winter months. If your gutters don’t seem to be functioning as they should, the solution is often as simple as removing any debris from them. Without doing so, this will cause water to build up and seep into your walls, which can lead to penetrating damp issues in your home. In addition to removing debris from your gutters, you should also ensure they’re in good condition to prevent debris from collecting in the future.
Inspect the Chimney
We’ve mentioned how important the roof is to a property, and while you’re inspecting the roof, you should also take a look at the chimney. This is one of the most vulnerable areas of a home, due to the fact that is protrudes from the roof and is exposed to snow, frost, and high winds. Therefore, you should have a professional roofer to assess your chimney along with your roof and implement any repairs that are required. In order to prevent future issues, you might also install a chimney cowl or cap, which will also improve the efficiency of your stove.