Winter Checks
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
With Winter now upon us, Cumbrian Homes would like to offer all homeowners a gentle reminder to carry out their winter checks. To avoid any possible costly repairs to household services we have listed a few of the more important items for you to consider checking.
Most importantly, 'Winterise' BEFORE the really cold conditions arrive as ice, snow and wind can have a devastating consequence for your home.
1. Clean out your gutters/downspouts to prevent 'ice-damming' and possible water ingress.
2. Add additional insulation where possible to weak areas such as roof spaces and cellars.
3. Check and insulate all pipework especially those in areas prone to the cold. Have any leaks repaired to prevent much costlier repairs in the future.
4. Keep your house warm, if your garage is attached to your home ensure doors are closed and well insulated. 19 degrees celsius is regarded as a room temperature that will keep surface mounted pipework from freezing.
5. Check your heating systems. Have your boilers, fires and chimneys serviced at least once a year, ideally leading into the Winter period. Close the flue in your fireplace when it is not in use.
6. Keep steps and paths to your home free from snow and ice. Carry out any repairs before the cold weather arrives.
7. Familiarise yourselves with the plumbing system – where are the stop taps and main water pipes. Time is of the essence if you have a pipe burst. Disconnect all external taps or hoses.
8. If in any doubt over the state of repair of your home, have a professional check your home and fix any issues that there may be.
9. Trim trees and dead branches near to your home as falling ice or snow may cause damage to your property or injure someone walking nearby.
10. Plan for being away. If you are away for a prolonged period of time have someone check your home on a regular basis. For longer periods you may want to consider 'draining down' your system to prevent it freezing.