Checkatrade.com is warning homeowners to check their properties and carry out essential home maintenance before Christmas. With gales, floods, snow and extreme temperatures continuing to batter the UK and the Met Office issuing severe weather warnings across parts of the country it is better to be safe than sorry.
During the festive season it can be hard, as well as expensive, to schedule an appointment with a tradesperson. This can leave those unlucky enough to suffer a winter home emergency, such as a boiler breakdown, desperate and vulnerable to opportunistic rogue traders.
Prevention is better than cure. By taking action now, homeowners can safeguard their properties against winter calamities. Here are Checkatrade.com’s top ten winter maintenance tips and problems to look out for:
- Wrap pipes, especially external pipes, to prevent them freezing and bursting using lagging material (available from all good DIY shops) or for a cost effective quick fix use towels.
- Bleed radiators to remove trapped air. Use a radiator key to open valves until there is a hissing sound from escaping air. Close the valves as soon as water begins to drip out.
- Service the boiler to identify and fix underlying problems, so it runs safely and efficiently over the festive period. Make sure you use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.
- Inspect the roof (or hire someone to do this) to repair damaged shingles and worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys, which can cause leaks.
- Clean the chimney if you have one to ensure deadly carbon monoxide can escape rather than creeping back into the home.
- Repair steps and handrails to make them safe in ice and snow.
- Check doors and windows for cracks in the seals and leaks, as temperature changes can damage them.
- Draft a contingency plan in case an emergency occurs. This should include a list of local tradespeople who can be reached quickly (e.g. there is a facility on Checkatrade.com to search for tradespeople who offer 24-hour callout) and details of key points in and around a property, such as electrical breakers and water mains.
- Examine pointing and brickwork on external walls and make repairs where necessary as water could leak in.
- Trim trees and hedges, removing dead or weak branches to prevent them coming down in windy weather and causing damage to property or even worse, family members.
“Taking preventative steps will help homeowners avoid winter emergencies around their properties,” says Checkatrade.com boss Kevin Byrne.
“If something does go wrong and you need to call in a tradesperson this can be difficult around Christmas time and extremely stressful. However, don’t forget to check their qualifications and references. It is far better to take the time to do this rather than risk falling prey to a rogue trader.”
For more information visit www.checkatrade.com