Keeping your property well-maintained is a year-round commitment but winter can certainly put your home at more risk. As weather conditions change and the risk of snow, rain, and ice increases, it’s important to make sure your home isn’t likely to succumb to damage. With this in mind, take a look at these four ways to protect your property this winter:
1. Clear Out the Guttering
Cleaning out the gutters might be a simple job but it could save you a whole lot of hassle in the future. Blocked gutters prevent rainwater from draining properly, which can lead to pooling or water cascading down the side of your property.
When this happens, water can damage the exterior of your home and even cause patches of damp to form in the interior of the property. However, removing leaves and debris, and checking guttering for signs of damage, will ensure that it’s working well when you need it most.
2. Undertake Roof Repairs
You may not notice damage to your roof when it first occurs, but it won’t take long for it to cause a significant problem. Missing or damaged roof tiles can allow rainwater to enter the property and lead to flooding, damp, and mold.
By acting quickly, you can ensure that minor repairs don’t turn into something much more significant. Of course, you won’t be able to undertake these types of repairs yourself. With help from Wildwood Roofing and Construction, you can hire experienced roofers in St Louis MO to ensure your roof is in perfect condition before winter arrives.
3. Check Trees for Damage
If you have trees or large shrubs on your property, be sure to check them for signs of damage before the bad weather sets in. When wind and rains pick up, overhanging branches or diseased trees can become hazardous. As well as putting your home at risk, an unstable tree could cause serious harm to a member of your family or a guest to your property.
By trimming trees now, removing overhanging branches, and ensuring that the trees on your property are stable and healthy, you can avoid unnecessary accidents and prevent your home from being damaged too.
4. Turn Off Outside Taps
Outside taps can be a convenient way to access water from your garden or yard but they shouldn’t be used during wintertime. As the temperature drops, the water in the pipes can freeze, which can cause problems with the plumbing in your property too. Most outdoor taps have a shut-off valve, so turning them off for winter is a simple job that only takes seconds. However, remember to open the tap after shutting off the valve so that any water in the pipe can drain out.
Preventing Property Damage in Winter
By conducting repairs now and taking preventative measures to keep your home safe and secure, you can avoid unnecessary damage occurring throughout winter. Not only will this save you time and hassle in the long run, but it can save you money too!
