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WINTERPROOF YOUR HOME

Winter can put a strain on our homes and so preparing ahead of the colder, wetter months is a smart move for those looking to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. Research by Help me Fix has highlighted five maintenance tasks that homeowners need to consider before winter arrives -and how current waiting times mean they’re best to get their house in order sooner rather than later…

Boiler check - 1 week wait

One of the most common household issues during the winter months is a problem with our boiler. It can cost anywhere between £60 to £120 for a service check, up to £200 for boiler repair and as much as £400 for a power flush.

Brickwork - 4 week wait

One area that is often overlooked ahead of winter is our brickwork. However, inadequate brickwork pointing can be a major issue and over time it allows water ingress, as well as increasing the chances of frost damage and damp - two issues that are far more prevalent during the winter months. It costs just £50 to £60 on average per square metre to repoint your brickwork.

Roofing - 4 week wait

Much like our brick work, problems with our roofing rarely materialise until the cold and rain starts to batter our homes on a regular basis. Missing or cracked tiles are a particularly frequent problem and can lead to further issues. While a roof inspection will set you back around £250, repairs that don’t require scaffolding can generally be done for around £170 for roughly five tiles - which is far more cost effective in the long run.

Water pipes - 1 week wait

Blocked, burst or frozen pipes can be a nightmare and one that often becomes a reality during the winter months. Insulating your pipes or fitting pipe jackets can be done for as little as £50 and up which is a huge saving compared to the damage done from a burst pipe.

Windows & doors - 2 week wait

Even the most minor misalignment of a window or door can lead to a considerable amount of heat loss, or rainwater entering your home. While the latter will cause damage from damp, the ability to heat our homes efficiently has also never been more pressing due to the rising cost of energy bills. A general inspection will cost around £150, while replacing a double glazed window can cost between £70 to £150.

Help your lawn survive the big freeze

Just because the cold winter weather is on the horizon, it doesn’t mean we should be neglecting our gardens. Here are some tips from David Truby of Greensleeves…

1. Keep mowing: The trick is to continue mowing your lawn as needed, never allowing it to become too long as this can significantly reduce the quality and potentially increase the severity of moss invasion. Ensure the mower blades are sharp, so as not to cause damage to the lawn itself. Never attempt to mow your lawn if it is saturated or covered in frost. 2. Watch for moss and mould: Both infestations can have devastating effects on your grass, so it is important you target them at source. To stop a moss invasion, target the moss using specially formulated treatments which are designed to desiccate the thatch and prevent it from developing further. On the other hand, snow mould is a fungal disease that appears on the lawn as yellowish/brown patches. To prevent this kind of fungal disease, I strongly recommend removing any leaves or debris by gently raking or using a leaf blower. 3. Keep composting: Not only does composting provide your soil with organic nutrients, but it also aids in the suppression of weed growth and insulates plant roots, with the added benefit of reducing soil erosion from rain damage. 4. Don’t forget to mulch: Mulching plays a key role in your lawn’s survival.

Usually made from materials such as straw, shredded leaves or wood chips, it creates a barrier between the soil and the air itself, shielding the grass beneath.

The 12 days of clean-mas

Day 1: Rescue your Christmas decorations from the attic and give them a well-needed dust. Day 2: De-clutter and deep clean room by room. Don’t forget those usually forgotten items such as doorknobs, handles, letterboxes and skirting boards. Day 3: Make your windows sparkle and freshen up the floors. Day 4: Tackle the dishwasher and washing machine. Day 5: De-clutter and clean your car ready for the holidays. Day 6: Give the toilets a deep clean! Day 7: Descale your kettle ready for the winter warming hot drinks. Day 8: Tackle the stairs! For stubborn stains try Dr. Beckmann’s Carpet Stain Remover. Day 9: Clean and empty your fridge ready for the festive food. Day 10: Spruce up your pet’s bed ready for the Christmas fun. Day 11: Give the oven a deep clean ready for Christmas dinner. Day 12: Pop all of the family’s Christmas jumpers in the wash ready for the big day!