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 PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY NOW FOR THE COLDER WEATHER AHEAD

 Prepare your property now for the colder weather ahead

Now is the ideal time if you are a homeowner or landlord to complete a pre-winter property check to limit or avoid costly repair bills later in the year.

It seems difficult to imagine whilst we are enjoying the sunshine that winter is just around the corner, but now is the ideal time if you are a homeowner or landlord to complete a pre-winter property check to limit or avoid costly repair bills later in the year. 

Here at Westone Housing, property maintenance is our specialism and we suggest checking the following areas:

 

  1. Boilers and heating systems

You should have your boiler serviced annually by a heating engineer. We recommend arranging to have this done in mid-summer so that any problems can be identified and resolved before the colder weather begins, keeping you, your family and tenants warm this winter. 

By having your boiler serviced regularly you will also increase the longevity of the appliance and validate any manufacturer’s warrantees. 

 

  1. Roofs

Take a walk around the outside of your property and look for signs of any roof damage, perhaps a missing or broken tile or some sign of sagging. You could also check the attic for any signs of water leaks.

If you notice any problems, now is the ideal time to arrange for these issues to be fixed. 

 

  1. Guttering and downpipes 

Gutter maintenance is an essential job that can save a lot of hassle further down the line as it is surprising the problems that can arise from it being poorly maintained. A build-up of fallen leaves and moss can cause havoc to a property including damp and moulding on internal walls, water pooling along external walls and saturated foundations all of which will require significant repair work to correct.

 

Once you have checked all the guttering and downpipes around the property you may want to invest in some gutter and drain guards preventing further leaves and debris causing any problems. These guards are inexpensive to purchase, readily available from DIY stores and easy to fit.

 

  1. External and internal pipes 

Freezing temperatures can put your property’s water pipes at risk so taking the time to insulate exposed pipes now can eliminate future costly repair bills. External pipework is the most exposed to the elements followed by pipework in unheated areas of the property such as the attic or garage and are, therefore, the most at risk of freezing and potentially bursting. 

Pipework on the internal walls may not be as exposed, but it is however, still at risk. Keeping your property warm can counteract the chill, keeping the water flowing inside the pipes and consequently not freezing up.

The easiest way to protect all of your property’s pipework is by purchasing pipe insulation and lagging which is inexpensive, easy to fit but can make the difference between pipes bursting or not.

 

Need expert advice?

If you need some expert advice around protecting your home this winter contact property specialists Westone Housing on 01733 320500 or visit www.westone.uk.com

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