As the evenings get shorter and the air starts to get chillier, these are all clear signs that winter is on its way. For homeowners, this change in seasons means it’s time to prepare your home for the challenges that winter can bring. Pre-winter home maintenance is not only about keeping your house in top condition but also ensuring your comfort and safety during the colder months. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential tasks to get your home winter-ready.
Inspect Your Heating System
The most important home maintenance task is checking your heating system, after all, it is your best friend during the cold winter months! Before the temperature drops significantly, have a professional inspect your central heating. Clean or replace any filters, and ensure that all vents are clear of debris which may have gathered up during summer and autumn. This will not only keep your home warm but also improve your energy efficiency.
If you have a fireplace or stove, it’s essential to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Creosote build-up can be a fire hazard, and a clean chimney ensures proper ventilation. It is also wise to stock up on fuel supplies such as smokeless coal or firewood, so you can enjoy cosy evenings by the fire when roads are hazardous.
Seal Draughts and Insulate Your Home
Draughts are one of the main sources of heat loss, leading to higher energy bills. Check for draughts around windows and doors and seal them properly. A simple way to do this is to run your hand along the edges of windows and doors and look out for any cold air passing through. Consider adding home insulation in your attic and walls if you haven’t already. Proper insulation can dramatically reduce heat loss and make your home more comfortable by keeping in the heat for longer.
Clear Out Your Gutters and Downspouts
Autumn leaves and debris can clog your gutters, preventing proper water drainage. This can lead to leaky roofs and water damage during the winter. Clearing out your gutters and downspouts will ensure water can flow freely away from your home. The easiest way to clear gutters is with a leaf blower or a pressure washer. Just be sure to set them at a lower setting!
Check Your Roof
If you’re clearing out your gutters, it’s also important to check the roof. Nesting season for birds in the UK is generally between March and August. This means birds can build their nests in chimneys, under eaves, or on other parts of the roof. If birds have decided to nest on your roof, they could cause damage. Additionally, check for any loose tiles or damaged shingles. If left unnoticed, it could cause roof leaks and water damage in the winter. Some people may think checking the roof is not as important, but if you ever happen to have a bird nest or a loose tile on your roof, you’ll be glad you had it fixed sooner rather than later!
Paint Your Home’s Exterior
Another important home maintenance task is painting your home’s exterior. Autumn is your last chance to do so before winter is here. A fresh coat of paint acts as a protective barrier against heavy rainfall and seals any old paint cracks, preventing water damage. Not only does it prevent water damage, but also increases the longevity of your home’s exterior and improves your curb appeal.
Join taskm8 For Free Today
Preparing your home for winter involves completing all of the above tasks, and these are just the basics. We haven’t mentioned power washing your driveway, storing away garden furniture, cutting the lawn and so on. If pre-winter home maintenance seems like a lot of work, you don’t have to complete all of these tasks alone.
With TaskM8, you can find an m8 in your local area who is willing to use their skills and complete the tasks for you in exchange for payment. A m8 could be someone who is skilled in chimney sweeping, roofing, painting, gardening or power washing. Become a tasker, post your tasks, select a m8 and get your home ready for the long winter ahead in no time. It’s as simple as that! For more examples of what types of tasks our m8’s can help with, read our How It Works page. To join TaskM8 and become a tasker, create your free account with us today.
