The days are already shorter and the nights longer. There’s no denying it any more. For those of us in the Southern hemisphere, winter is here. Now is the time to do a check to make sure your home is ready for winter. Here are some of our tips to ensure your home is ready to face the chilly, rainy and windy days ahead of us.
Clear your gutters
Clogged gutters block rain drainage, leading to floods and damage. Remove everything from twigs and leaves to mud. Check that downpipes are clear and ensure the entire system isn’t clogged by running water through it. You may also want to trim overhanging branches which could cause damage if they fall during a storm.
Move or cover outdoor furniture
Garden furniture which is left out in the rain is unlikely to make it to next summer. Plastic furniture will become brittle and wood furniture will start to look pretty shabby. If you are unable to store your furniture indoors, try covering it with plastic sheeting. This will keep it protected during those winter storms and keep it looking as good as new for next season.
Exterior woodwork
Check the paint on exterior woodwork. If this woodwork needs additional protective layers, now is the time to do so before it becomes too cold and wet outside. If you neglect to do this now, the woodwork will chip and peel becoming increasingly attractive as the months go by.
Doors and windows
Ensure your doors and windows are properly insulated. If you fail to do this, you are not only letting cold air in, you’ll also let warm air out. It is pointless spending money heating your home with fires and heaters if all that warm air is just going to disappear into the cold through doors and windows.
Garden preparation
It is important you prepare your garden now so it’ll be looking its best in spring. The good news is your garden will be getting plenty of water, so everything should soon be green and luscious. Make sure to turn off your automatic sprinklers as these won’t be necessary. There are a number of plants, like tulips, which can go into the ground now and will bloom in the warmer months. If you’d like fresh vegetables, now is the time to plant onions and beans.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy the cooler months knowing your home and garden are protected from the elements.
