As we approach the end of summer, it won’t be long before the autumn and winter months are upon us. This will inevitably bring colder and harsher weather conditions. Once the weather worsens, any property defects are at risk of deteriorating. Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord or maintaining a commercial building for a client, summer is a great time for property maintenance. Delaying maintenance until the weather worsens could complicate the necessary treatments. Making the necessary repairs now will save you both time and money in the long run. Here’s some property maintenance tips to consider to ensure your property is protected this winter.
Damp proof your property
Over time, gutters can begin to fill with debris and plant matter. This is even more likely if there’s a lot of birds in the area. Take the time to clear any debris from your gutters. This will ensure your gutters are in good condition before autumn and winter. Failure to do so could lead to blocked gutters, increasing the likelihood of penetrating damp in your property.
Summer is also a good time for maintenance work on the external walls of the property. Heavy rain and wind can cause damage to the external walls. Any gaps and cracks can allow moisture to seep through to the interior walls, causing penetrating damp. Check for any gaps or cracks in brickwork. You should also look for any gaps in windows or leaks in the roof. This will ensure that your home, rental property, or commercial building are in safe hands.
Improve ventilation
Condensation problems may not be as noticeable in summer when people are more likely to open their windows. However once the colder weather returns, condensation issues will become more apparent if there is inadequate ventilation. Take the time this summer to repair any issues with air vents or extractor fans and ensure your air bricks are clear. Consider the use of dehumidifiers and where possible, continue to keep windows open even when the temperatures begin to drop.
Prevent burst pipes
Pipe maintenance should be one of the main priorities for every homeowner or landlord before winter. Effective plumbing could potentially save you thousands of pounds from preventing burst or frozen pipes. If you manage a commercial building, it could even save you a call from an angry client or customer telling you their site is flooded. As water in pipes freezes, it expands and can cause a pipe to burst. Burst pipes can lead to significant water damage so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening. Insulating your pipes will prevent them from freezing and reduce the risks of your pipes bursting. If you do not have experience or knowledge of plumbing, we would always recommend you hire a professional for the necessary repairs.
Don’t ignore property maintenance!
We would always emphasise to customers that it’s easier to prevent a property issue from occurring than to wait for a problem and then have to pay for expensive repairs. Property maintenance should always be a priority in your home or business. For more information on how to avoid damp problems this winter visit our damp proofing page for expert advice and solutions.
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