As winter approaches, the cold and wet weather can start to make its mark on your home. Harsh conditions such as wind, rain, and freezing temperatures can all potentially lead to lasting damage, higher energy bills, and costly repairs. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can make preparations to minimise the impact – effectively protecting your home, and also ensuring that you can stay warm, dry and comfortable throughout the colder months. Here are the four essential exterior fix-ups we’d recommend taking care of before winter sets in!
Inspect and repair gutters
Your gutters form a key component of your home’s defence against water damage. During autumn, leaves and debris can quickly clog your gutters, which obviously prevents them from draining properly. When left unchecked, blocked gutters can eventually overflow, which can result in water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. This is particularly problematic in the winter, when you already have to deal with greater amounts of rain, snow, and ice.
To avoid all that, it’s a good idea to inspect your gutters for any blockages or signs of damage before the winter weather kicks in. If they could do with some maintenance, then clear out leaves, twigs, and dirt to ensure the water can flow freely. While you’re there, make sure to repair any cracks or holes you notice. Depending on the damage, you might be able to seal small cracks with waterproof sealant, or use gutter repair kits for larger issues. If the damage is severe, it might be necessary to replace the damaged section of guttering.
Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors
As the temperature drops in winter, drafts can make your home feel much colder, and heating systems will have to work harder to keep things cosy. Gaps and cracks around windows and doors are often the culprits behind these drafts. Over time, weatherstripping can wear out, and the seals around windows and doors can shrink or crack.
To save yourself that then, it’s good idea to check around all exterior windows and doors for any visible gaps. One useful method is to use a candle or incense stick to detect drafts, as the smoke will drift if there is a gap in the seal. If you find any cracks or gaps, seal them with a caulk or weatherstripping designed for the job. For doors, you might want to consider adding draft excluders to the bottom or investing in thicker curtains to prevent heat loss.
Check exterior paint and finishes
Exterior paint does more than just provide colour; it acts as a protective layer against the elements. In winter, moisture from rain, snow, and ice can seep into untreated or worn areas of your home’s exterior, which can lead to rotting wood, rust, and mould growth. (Nobody wants that!)
Look for areas where the paint has chipped, cracked, or worn away. If the surface underneath is exposed, the material can suffer damage over time, especially during the winter months. Sand down any rough spots, clean the surface, and apply a fresh coat of paint, ideally designed for exterior use. It’s a relatively simple step that can make a surprisingly big difference in preventing moisture-related damage during the colder months.
Tighten outdoor fixtures and fittings
Winter winds can be notoriously fierce, and anything left unsecured on your home’s exterior can sometimes be at risk of being damaged or blown away. From light fittings and railings to shutters and decorative features, it’s important to check that all outdoor fixtures and fittings are firmly in place before winter sets in.
Start by walking around your property and checking for any loose or wobbly fixtures. Tighten screws and bolts where needed, and ensure that any exterior lighting is properly secured. If you have outdoor furniture or other objects that could be damaged by high winds, it’s worth storing them indoors or securing them with strong outdoor ties. It’s not the most pulse-pounding of jobs, but making sure everything is well-attached and stable will prevent unnecessary repairs in the spring.
And of course, if you’re not sure exactly what fixings or fasteners you need, why not take a look at our post on the 4 best screws for outdoor patch-ups this autumn?
We have all fasteners and fixings and more for the very best prices – so whatever type of screw you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it right here at RC Screws! And of course, if you’d ever like to double-check with a member of our friendly team to make sure you’re choosing the correct screws for your project, just give us a call at 01254 917744 – and we’ll be happy to help!