The winter season is almost here, so take proper precautions to keep your home in good shape during the months ahead. A harsh winter often brings weather-related damage, expensive repairs and costly energy bills. You can avoid nasty surprises by preparing your property in advance for the change in weather. Here are a few tips to help you get your home ‘winter ready’.
Check Your Gutters
Depending on where you live, you can expect rain showers all year round. However, towards the end of the year many places get hit with heavy downpours. Unfortunately, this can lead to overflowing and clogged gutters. Clogged gutters in the colder months can end up freezing into a hardened mass, and the consequences can present a huge problem to both the exterior and interior of your property. If you want to avoid a deteriorated facade, structural damage to your home and the potential of a leaky, sagging roof, make sure you check and clean your gutters before winter.
Clean Your Chimney
If you enjoy using a wood burning fireplace in your home, make sure you get it inspected by a professional to ensure it is safe to use this winter. People who light a fire a few times a year may find that they have a build-up of creosote and soot in their fireplace. This natural accumulation is highly flammable, and it can be toxic for your health too. So, make sure you hire a professional chimney sweep company to inspect and clean your fireplace before you enjoy it again. While you’re at it, stock up on firewood and store it off the ground in a well-ventilated, dry place so that it is ready to use.
Flueless Fireplaces
There is nothing cozier than sitting in front of a toasty fire with a cup of hot cocoa. However, maintaining a wood burning fireplace is not for everyone. Luckily, those who want more of the warmth and less of the hassle can opt for a flueless substitute. A flueless bioethanol fireplace is a healthy alternative for both you and the environment. Unlike oil and wood, bioethanol is a sustainable, renewable energy source. So, you can stay cozy while knowing you are doing your bit for the environment. Furthermore, the flueless design means that you don’t need a professional to install it. There are several fireplace shops London that can provide you with an array of fireplaces to choose from. Stonewoods is a reputable company that specializes in different types of fireplaces, stoves and accessories.
Inspect Your Trees
Homeowners with large trees surrounding their property should keep an eye out for protruding branches. Adverse weather conditions could cause long branches to snap off and damage your home, your neighbor’s property, power lines, and even vehicles that are parked close by. Look out for unhealthy trees with dying limbs and try to cut away branches that are brushing against your window, or growing over your home and your neighbor’s home. If in doubt, hire a professional arborist to evaluate your trees.