Make your home winter-proof in four steps!
It is winter! The time of year when we look for warmth and coziness at home. Curl up under a blanket on the couch with a good book or a fun series, while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Of course, you prefer to do this in a nice house that is completely winter-proof. Would you like to be extra comfortable this winter? With this 4-step plan, your home is optimally prepared for the winter!
1. Check the roof
Start by inspecting the roof of your home. In autumn the weather is often stormy and a lot of leaves fall. This can cause problems on the roof in winter. Are you going on the roof? Pay particular attention to roof tiles that have blown away or shifted . Autumn storms can blow or crack the lead near the chimneys. Therefore, check the lead connections for cracks and check any clogged gutters . Clean the gutters around your skylights and dormers. Leaves can clog the gutters. Rainwater runs over the edge of the gutter. Repair, repair and clean the roof where necessary to prevent leakage or wood rot in the roof boarding and tile battens.
Tip: Winter showers? Make sure that all rainwater drains continue to function properly. Snow and wind can cause piles of snow and drifting snow, which can cause leakage when the snow melts. Leakage due to drifting snow can never be completely ruled out, but you can do a lot about it yourself. Therefore, make sure that the drains are and remain free and thawed. Do you have a conservatory? Then clear the roof of snow. Where possible, remove snow from roofs, gutters and gutters, but in all cases ensure that this is done safely.
Everything checked? Come back down (carefully!): time for step 2!
2. Pay close attention to ventilation
Done with the first step? Then you can move on to the next point on the checklist: the ventilation system. Good ventilation ensures a healthy indoor climate in your home, all year round. The filters of the heat recovery units in particular require attention; these must be cleaned or replaced regularly. Check the filters of the heat recovery unit: is the filter dark gray or black? Then it needs to be replaced: you can order new filters here. If the color is white or light gray, the filters are still clean and you can leave them in place.
3. Check the smoke detectors in the house
It is wise to regularly check and clean the installations in your home by vacuuming them with a vacuum cleaner and/or blowing them out with compressed air. The smoke detectors in particular require a check every now and then. Most smoke detectors beep when the battery starts to run out, always make sure you have a battery in stock, the smoke detector will only stop the beep once the battery has been replaced. As long as they do not beep, you can assume that they are active. However, it is wise to regularly press the test button: this way you can be sure that the connection works properly and the smoke detectors are properly connected. So safe!
4. Inspect the sanitary facilities in your home
Time for the last step on the checklist: the plumbing! The plumbing in your home is used intensively every day. To keep your sanitary facilities working properly and looking good, it is important to check them regularly. Start by checking the bathroom drains. Check whether dirt has accumulated in the siphon under the sink and in the shower drain. Clean the drains where necessary and put everything back neatly.
Tips: Did you know that it is good to use the large flush button of the toilet regularly? Solely using the small (water-saving) button can cause blockages.
Would you like to know more about a make your home winter-proof with custom home builders Austin? Contact for Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes will then help you with the implementation of your renovation.