Save hassle, save money – protect your home this winter

It’s that time of year again and as some lovely weather in September slowly gives way to a more autumnal feel (the mornings are definitely darker aren’t they?) maybe it is time to accept, even embrace, colder weather and shorter days.
Now is the time, then, to take a few minutes to do some checks on your house before the damaging wind, rain and snow do their worst. This may save you time in the long run in having to deal with problems once winter has set in.
At SER we have seen many damaged properties over the years, and a high proportion of this is caused by the elements. So here are our tips to minimise the risks:
Take a look at your roof. Loose or missing tiles can let rain and melted snow in, leading to damp and rot. Fixing them before they cause a problem is the best bet, also bear in mind that loose tiles are more likely to be blown off in high winds. At the same time, check the chimney too. Look for any cracks or loose pointing, especially where it joins the roof. Wind and frost can make these problems worse, increasing the risk of structural damage.
Check your gutters and ground level drains. Soon they may become clogged with fallen leaves meaning that water may not be able to drain away freely. This can also lead to damp and possibly subsidence if water seeps down into the ground below the house, undermining the foundations.
This may also be a good moment to lag pipes and water tanks and to fix any dripping taps. A frozen pipe can burst and lead to flooding, which is never good for the fabric of a building.
Let’s look forward to those cosy nights in by the fire, relaxed in the knowledge that we have done all we can to stop the storm raging outside causing damage to our home.