Preparing Your Home for Winter in Bend

With winter approaching, now is the perfect time to be preparing your home for winter in Bend. Protecting your property from the threat of snowfall, frost, and sub-zero temperatures will reduce the likelihood that you have to fork out hundreds or even thousands of dollars on remedial works as soon as spring comes. Fortunately, winter maintenance work does not have to be expensive or difficult. Here is our quick guide to the top ten most important tasks to complete in the weeks leading up to winter. 

Check out what we think are ten great winter preparation ideas for your home for the people of Bend.

1. Sweep and waterproof the chimney 

Plummeting temperatures could cause serious damage to chimneys that contain excess moisture and dirt. Prevent structural damage to your chimney by cleaning it and applying waterproofing materials to its interior.

2. Insulate your pipes

Insulating your pipes will ensure that they do not freeze and burst, something that could end up causing lots of time and money. Foam insulation tubes are relatively easy to slip over pipes and will also help to prevent heat loss from your plumbing system, potentially saving you money in the long term.

3. Insulate the loft

Many homeowners fail to realize how much heat is lost through the roof of a home. By laying down thick insulating materials in the loft, you can ensure that your property feels warm and cozy while significantly reducing your energy bill.

4. Book a professional boiler service

Boiler failure is one of the most frustrating repair issues that can occur during a cold winter. To prevent your boiler from breaking down and leaving you without heating or warm water, you should get it serviced by a professional plumber on a regular basis. 

5. Unblock gutters and pipes

Gutters, gullies, and downpipes can easily get blocked during spells of heavy rain or snow. To prevent this, you should ensure your guttering is as clean and serviceable as possible before the cold weather sets in. This will involve removing any moss or debris stuck in the piping and replacing cracked gutters. 

6. Address any outstanding roof problems

If you have been putting off making repairs to roof slates or tiles, make sure to do so before the weather becomes wintery. Although a few slipped or missing roof tiles may seem like a minor issue, they could end up causing serious leaks that will compromise the structural integrity of your home. 

7. Fix broken gates or fencing

Frost and snow can worsen damage to fencing or gates, so address any issues as quickly as possible. This is will also protect your property against break-ins.

8. Check that outdoor lights are clean and serviceable

As the sun starts to set much earlier in the day, it is imperative that you ensure the serviceability of your outdoor lighting. Start by shutting off your lights at the main power source and giving them a thorough clean. Next, you should replace any bulbs that have stopped working.

9. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Winter is when most domestic fires take place. This is because homeowners are much more likely to be burning firewood during winter. What’s more, people are at a greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during the colder months as they are more likely to keep their windows and doors tightly shut. In this way, it is very important to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in full working order.

10. Draughtproof your doors and windows

Sealing up windows and doors with insulating materials will ensure that your home stays as toasty as possible and save you money on heating bills. 

Many homeowners fail to realize how much heat is lost through the roof of a home