Winter is a time of good cheer and festive celebrations. But, it also comes with some issues. The temperatures plummet, the mornings are dark, and you struggle to get out of bed more and more each day. These are not the only problems you might encounter, though. You also need to think about your home and the possible maintenance jobs demanded of you over the winter season.
Cracked Driveways
Harsh weather conditions can cause problems for your driveway. Although concrete is one of the most durable materials, it cannot handle everything. A cracked driveway could impact structural integrity and cause small bits of concrete to spray up when your car drives over it.
If you recognize cracks in your driveway, services such as https://www.keflatwork.com/concrete-repair-replacement/ can provide solutions by filling the caps or replacing your concrete. This is not just something you should think about for your home, and anywhere with cracked concrete and heavy traffic is something you should look at.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a significant problem that you might encounter over the winter period. As the temperatures drop, leftover water in your pipes will freeze. If it does not melt quickly enough, this will build up the pressure.
The result is a burst pipe, which, depending on where it is, can cause severe damage to your home. A burst pipe could floor the space between your floors, and you may not know about this until it’s too late. The water will cause floorboards and the structure to rot. Upgrading your pipes can solve this, as can pipe insulation that prevents water from freezing.
Drafty Doors and Windows
No matter how much you wrap up during winter, it will be impossible to get comfortable unless you fix the drafty windows and doors. Runners for the bottom of your doors are an excellent way to do this, especially if you’re looking to keep things cheap. You can also upgrade the door.
For windows, replacing single glazing with double glazing (especially on old houses) can retain the heat better and improve energy efficiency. Applying window sealant is another solution, as is using blinds or curtains, even on small windows, to trap the heat inside the house.
Clogged Gutters
As the leaves fall from the trees, the rain falls, and the temperature drops below zero, there’s a significant chance that your gutters will become clogged with frozen leaves, branches, and other debris. This will prevent water from draining during a rainstorm, putting too much pressure on the gutters. The more water that collects within the gutter, the heavier it becomes.
Eventually, this weight will become too much, and the gutter will crack and collapse. If possible, take a ladder and clear out the gutters to allow water to flow and drain freely. If you’re unable to do this, a professional will take over for you and identify any other problems.
Winter Wonderland
As much as winter can be a time for family fun and being thankful for what you have, you still need to think about your home. Failing to keep up to date with any maintenance issues can cause severe problems later on, turning what could have been a quick fix into something more substantial and expensive.
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