This Monday (25th August) is the last bank holiday weekend before the autumn arrives and now is the time to start preparing your home before the dreaded weather and darker evenings set in.
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has these suggestions for ensuring that your home will weather the winter:
"There are a few jobs that you can do yourself such as making sure windows and external doors close properly. If there are gaps; fitting inexpensive draught excluders can really help to reduce your heating bills."
Berry continued:
"Moss and algae on paths can get very slippery when the wet weather comes; it is worth trying to get as much of it off as you can now. Also remember to clear leaves from paths and patios too."
Berry said:
"Now is also a good time to check the roof before any wet weather sets in. Have a look for any missing or damaged tiles or slates. Also check the chimney stack and pointing. If you need any work done to your roof or chimney it is vital to get a professional builder to carry out the work as it will probably involve scaffolding."
Berry continued:
"Your home can lose around 25% of heat through the roof, so having your loft insulated by a professional is a quick and relatively cheap project. This will save you money on your heating bills and given the recent, and anticipated, fuel bill rises you will probably notice the benefit relatively soon."
Berry advised:
"The leaves will soon start to fall and many end up in gutters along with other debris which can cause blockages and stop guttering working properly. Stains on walls, plant growth or moss around pipes and gutters are clues that your gutter or pipes may be leaking. It is vital to have your gutters cleared to ensure that you do not get overflow and avoid other more serious problems you may need scaffolding and a professional to carry this work out. At the same time ask your builder to check that all guttering is in a good condition, replace any guttering which is broken and firmly reattach any lose guttering. It is also worth considering asking your builder to install gutter guards which can help prevent leaves from building up again."
Berry concluded:
"Once you have been through the checklist, if you do need any work done which requires scaffolding or you don't feel confident doing yourself, we would recommend visiting the FMBs find-a-builder website for an FMB member in your area or asking friends and family. We also always recommend that you get at least three quotes, use a contract and agree a payment plan with your builder before work begins."
19 August 2008
