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Before you bunker down for the winter and as the cold weather approaches, it is important to ensure your home is prepared, both inside and out, for the onslaught of cold temperatures and more severe and unpredictable weather conditions. The key to avoiding either internal and/or external damage during the winter months is to prepare ahead of time.

Data reveals jobs due to lack of time or money pressures. However, this can result in either hefty repair costs or large insurance claims if the roof has been damaged due to a lack of winter preparation. With this in mind, experts at have compiled a winter home maintenance checklist to ensure your home is fully prepared in advance for this year's cold weather.

Check Your Roof

Last November saw searches for “roof leak” peak to 5,550 searches as winter weather damaged UK roofs. If regular checks aren’t done correctly or in a timely manner, your roof can receive anything from minor to extensive damage during the winter. Winter storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snowfall which can all negatively impact your roof and your wallets if it has not been properly maintained and prepared for winter.

Safely find a good viewpoint where you can check out your roof to see if any damage has occurred, check for:

• Missing tiles
• Blocked gutters
• Holes
• Debris build-up 

Missing tiles can result in water damage or leaks which can be a costly repair, whilst debris build-up and blocked gutters can put extra weight on your roof, as well as increase the risk of damage from high winds, rain or heavy snowfall. 

If you are unsure or would like a professional opinion on how well your roof is prepared for the winter, calling is the best choice. 

Check Your Pipes To Avoid Freezing 

Last December there were over 56,519 searches for “thaw frozen pipes” and 5,519 searches for “how to unfreeze pipes” as winter weather caused havoc in British homes across the country. Whilst a quick Google may seem like a quick fix, experts at Yell warn that at-home thawing of pipes can cause them to burst and you should always consult a professional. Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to ensure this doesn't happen: 

• Ensure all pipes in your roof space or loft, as well as pipes in other areas that may be vulnerable to the cold, are insulated and your boiler is serviced. You can also add some insulation to your popes and faucets which you can either do yourself at home or call a   in to do this for you. 
• If you are heading away for the winter or you are debating not turning your heating on much this year, ensure your heating is not turned off completely but instead remains low.
• Either ensure your thermostat is set to a minimum of 18 degrees or have your heating timed to come on regularly throughout the winter to ensure the pipes are kept warm and are not at risk of freezing. 

Block Out Window & Door Draughts

There is no easier way to save money on your heating bills than by ensuring any window and door draughts are blocked out. . If you have an open chimney, draught-proofing your chimney when you’re not using it could save around £65 a year. Key benefits include: 

• Uses less energy to heat your home
• Helps reduce condensation and damp
• Saves money on energy bills
• Makes your home warm and cosy

Draft proofing your home will vary depending on what level of proofing you need - older properties will require more draft proofing measures - but much of it can be done by the homeowners themselves. By adding the metal brushed window and draught excluders to your frames, you will be able to keep out the cold and reduce the amount of hot air that is being lost. These can be fitted to both exterior and interior doors. 

As well as doors and windows, keyholes and letterboxes are also big conductors of drafts so make sure to get these blocked too. If you are not comfortable fitting these yourself, is quick and simple. 

Check Your Heating System

Every December sees a spike in searches for “Boiler not working” in the UK - last year by 300% - as neglected boilers are switched on in the cold weather, only to find they’ve stopped working. It’s a good idea to have your furnace or boiler system checked annually by a professional, but additional checks are advised when exceptionally cold weather or storms are imminent. If you have a boiler, you should carry out some easy monthly checks in addition to the annual review: 

• Check your water pressure once a month
• Bleed your radiators twice a year
• Check radiator valves are open and working properly before winter comes
• Checking for any leaks in the venting system 
• Check if any wiring looks questionable or damaged
• If your heating system is a heat pump, make sure your outdoor unit is free from any leaves or snow. There should be no greenery crowding the unit at any one time. 

Technicians will also do annual checks on heat pump systems, but monthly checks and maintenance are encouraged before the winter months.   

If you are unsure as to whether your heating system will withstand the coldest temperatures of the UK winter, is the best and easiest choice.

Ticking Off Your Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Getting your property ready for winter may seem like a daunting task but by following this expert-approved checklist, you can avoid any expensive emergency repairs during the winter and ensure your home stays safe, warm and comfortable.