As winter approaches, we know to wrap up warm to keep the cold from penetrating through our skin and down to our bones. Yet have you ever taken a minute to consider how your house copes with the onset of frost and ice? Even though houses are solid structures, they can still be influenced by the weather outdoors. Some cases are more severe than others, but it certainly gives you something to think about for now and in the future.
Get to know your property a bit more and find out what factors can cause havoc when not checked regularly – especially in the winter months. Hopefully by doing this you will avoid any nasty surprises in the coming months…
Table of Contents
Mould build up
Mould can be a problem all year round, but it seems to rear its head most during the winter. It can commonly be found near windows or in the bathroom – basically wherever there is a large source of dampness. The windows can steam up on a cold winter day when it is warm in the house; this excess water can then lead to mould spores. There are some strong cleaners specifically designed for the purpose of eradicating mould, but there are some forums that suggest bleach can work just as efficiently.
Frozen pipes
One issue in the home that you should pay close attention to is the chance of any pipes freezing. Not only will you have no hot water when a blockage of ice builds up, but you will also be putting yourself at the risk of a flood or burst pipe. Temperature changes will cause materials to swell in size, which can create cracks or full breakages. If you spot a frozen pipe, a good suggestion is that you should turn off your main water valve straight away and then seek professional assistance.
Concrete cracking
The exterior of your property may be at risk of cracks in the winter, especially when made with a concrete material. There are many debates about when concrete cracks, but there are many tales of people experiencing more of them in cold weather. You could think about replacing vulnerable elements, as well as ensuring all future work is done in the right conditions to increase longevity.
Dirty Furniture
It’s not just the outside of your home that suffers – when it’s cold and wet outside, the dirt and much can quickly be brought into the home and onto your furniture, especially if you have pets or young children. Unfortunately, some items can be damaged beyond repair. With it being such an expensive time of year on the lead up to Christmas, you may not be able to afford to replace things like sofas, so either look at covering them up with a subtle throw, or consider something like furniture rental from emblemfurniture.co.uk to get you through in the meantime.
Loose tiles
Finally, don’t forget about the potential damage caused by winter storms. Loose roof tiles can be a hazard, as well as letting in water through into your attic. This little problem can grow if too much water or snow falls through; in some scenarios the ceiling could even collapse. Make sure to get tiles fixed as quickly as possible.