Winter DIY Jobs

Our guide to DIY jobs for the winter includes outside tasks like clearing paths gutters pipes and leaves as well as inspecting roof tiles. Have you boiler Gas Safe tested and inspected, check insulation and deal with draughts

When the cold weather starts to rear its ugly head we often drag out our winter wardrobes, change our furnishings and check our anti-freeze in the car is topped up.

But do we give a thought to our homes?

There are a number of jobs around the home, both inside and out which require attention at this time of the year and failing to do them can lead to disasters and hefty insurance bills.

Outside

• Clear all your pathways of leaves, moss and dirt. These can freeze causing paths to become slippery and possibly dangerous.
• Clean out your gutter and pipes. After all those leaves have fallen they are bound to be clogged. Heavy rainfall can cause water to back up and enter the house. The leaves can also freeze causing a type of dam in your gutter preventing water from being directed away from your home.
• Check your roof for any tiles which might be missing or holes which need patching. While you are up there take a look at your chimney too to see if it needs re-pointing. High winds are common in the winter and a fallen chimney can cause huge amounts of damage.
• Cut back any overhanging tree branches which might be unsafe during high winds and contact the council about any trees outside of your property might cause a hazard.

Inside

• Have your boiler professionally checked by a Gas Safe (formerly Corgi) engineer before it starts to be used regularly. A faulty boiler can be both dangerous and inconvenient should it decide to break down on the coldest night in winter. Or worse still over Christmas when it may be impossible to get anyone in to fix it.
• Check your windows and doors for any cracks where draughts can get in and heat can get out. DIY stores sell draught-excluders and rubber seals to provide a reasonable fix for these. In some cases it might be worthwhile considering double glazing or a new door. This is a long term solution but worthwhile in the end. Temporary secondary glazing and plastic film coating on windows is also a great idea for the winter season.
• Check your insulation and add more if required. Walls can have insulation retro fitted by pumping foam into the cavity. For lofts, use foam or mineral wool insulation. It is possible to buy this from any DIY store or get an expert in. This can be quite an investment but once again, will give instant relief from the cold weather.

Finally check your home insurance is up to date, especially if you live in a flood risk areas or if you are surrounded by trees. The winters are becoming wetter and windier so it is best to be prepared.

Don't leave these jobs until it is too late. Be ready for the winter and then sit back and relax, while you wait for spring time to come round.