Most of us love Fall with all the autumnal things: the crunchy leaves, the warm woollen sweaters and the roaring fires. To protect our home, however, it is important to winterize your house so that it is ready to face whatever the sky throws at it.
The trick is to winterizing the home is to do it while it's still warm enough to make repairs.
1. CHECK YOUR ROOF
If you only take one step to winterize a house, then checking the roof is essential. To do this, either get out the ladders or stand across the street or at the bottom of the garden and assess the roof with binoculars. In either case, should you have greater cause for concern, ask a roofer to conduct a thorough inspection.
‘Good roof maintenance is vital to avoid water damage to a building’s fabric. Slipped slates or tiles, failing leadwork and roof valleys blocked by debris will all wreak havoc if neglected,’ says Roger Hunt, author of the Old House Handbook.
When checking your roof ensure all tiles are properly fixed in place – note any that are missing; check flashing, ridges and junctions to ensure there’s no space for water ingress; look on the ground for any roof debris; inspect inside the loft for damp areas, chinks of light or dislodged tiles.
‘Roofs should be repaired promptly by an experienced roofer. Never use quick fixes, such as spray foams or liquid waterproofing; they may trap moisture, hinder repairs and are likely to prevent the future reuse of materials,’ adds Roger. It is also important that you remove any moss and leaves from the roof as this will harbor water, leading to dampness and rot.
If you are looking to upgrade your roof, it is best to do this in the summer when you can be more certain of dry weather and ensure you select the right roof tiles for the job. In the meantime, patching any problems that arise will offer a good temporary solution.
2. ASSESS YOUR CHIMNEY
When checking your roof, give a few minutes to assess on the health of your chimney. The chimney is a vulnerable part of the house, protruding from the roof it is exposed to high winds, frost and snow. If you notice any issues, then repair minor cracks with a patching cement or 100 per cent silicone caulk. However if the cracks are more major, you are likely to need professional help. It is also worth considering installing a chimney cap or cowl as part of your efforts to winterize a house as this will reduce downdrafts and improve your stove's efficiency.
3. UNBLOCK GUTTERS AND DRAINS
While you’ve got the ladders out and are embarking on ways to winterize a house, also make the most of the opportunity to clean your gutters and unblock your drains – removing leaves and debris prevents water from overflowing and saturating external walls. As well as clearing, also check that all the gutters, gullies and downpipes are still in good condition. A gutter brush is a great way to winterize a house as it will stop debris collecting in the first place.
4.DRAFT-PROOF INSIDE AND OUT
One of the easiest ways to winterize a house is draft-proofing. Identify the entry points of any cold air and then take appropriate steps to control this. DIY draft-proofing is the most affordable option. Fit brush-style draft excluders to the bottom of doors or invest in a cushion sausage-style excluder to lay in front. Brush-style draft excluders can also be incorporated into letterboxes.
You can also attach draft-proofing strips around the window frame to fill any gaps and reduce drafts. The same applies to the gaps between the floorboards and skirting boards – here use a sealant gun or decorator’s caulk to eradicate the gaps.
You can also hire a professional to draft-proof your whole house though this will cost more than doing it one a DIY basis.
5. INSULATE PIPES
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of problems, not only to your water supply but also to the health of your pipes. When water freezes it expands, which can potentially lead to burst pipework and flooding. Protect your pipes by installing foam insulation tubes around exterior pipes or those in the loft to reduce the risk of freezing. Before the first frost, turn off outside taps at the isolating valve. DISCONNECT ANY HOSES FROM OUTSIDE FAUCETS. It is also worth knowing how to protect an outside faucet from freezing (link opens in new tab).
6. CLEAR SNOW FROM PARAPET
After a heavy snowfall it is wise to ensure that you have cleared the snow from the parapet and valley gutters. Removing the snow, stops moisture seeping through joints. Be mindful of your safety and use wooden or plastic shovels to help shift the snow. Alternatively, duckboards or electric heating tapes can be provided to keep gutters clear of snow. Snow guards fitted near eaves reduce the risk of snow or ice breaking away and damaging glass in roofs below.
When should you winterize?
You should winterize a house before the first frost – ideally the end of summer into the start of fall. This will ensure that the inclement weather hasn't yet caused any damage.
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