Getting Your Home Shipshape After Freezing Weather

 One of these days, Britain will thaw and it’ll finally be safe to venture out without Michelin-man style winter woollies. When that happens, it’ll be time to check how your home and garden fared in the freezing temperatures and to decide what repairs are needed.

Remember practical-minded homeowners may be able to tackle smaller jobs, but if you need to replace guttering or roof tiles or may need to use a cement mixer, then it’s worth seeking the help of a professional builder.

Freezing temperatures will have found the flaws in your home and garden, so check:

• Is your roof still in a good state? Waterstains on your ceiling are a likely sign of a leaking roof, but after the freezing weather it’s worth checking your roof for loose, cracked or missing tiles, lifted lead flashing or cracked rendering. These could cause water to seep or be blown inside the house. If you need to replace guttering or roof tiles, then it’s worth seeking the help of a professional builder. Search www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder to find one in your area.
• Detached gutters and blocked drains? Melting snow and rain can drip onto gutter brackets causing them to crack, rust or break. Re-attach gutters and downpipes as soon as possible to avoid water dripping down walls and causing damp patches. Also make sure gutters and drains are unblocked.
• Burst or cracked pipes? If freezing temperatures cracked any pipes in the housework, it’s worth checking that the rest of the pipework is intact and get it well lagged to avoid them freezing again.
• Whistling windows and doors? If you are feeling draughts, now is the time to insulate your windows, doors and other areas where outside air can get in. Your builder can help you make your home feel warmer by filling in the gaps between windows and doors, known as ‘caulking’ and weather-stripping.
• Cracks and potholes in the driveway or patio? Cracks and potholes can form when a driveway or patio freezes then thaws. These need repairing as soon as you notice them to avoid further deterioration. Talk through the project with a local builder.

Time to get out in the garden? The garden, which looked like a Christmas card two weeks ago, may now have broken or damaged tree branches or house a leaning or broken fence. The roof of an outbuilding or shed could well have developed leaks. Check thoroughly and if they need, fix them now

Is Your Home Letting Out Precious Heat?

While you are checking for snow and ice damage, why not give your home an energy efficiency check?

Most heat is lost through poor insulation and glazing and nearly half of all heat loss is through the loft space and walls. Good roof and cavity wall insulation, double glazing, an insulating jacket on your hot water cylinder and a condensing boiler will significantly reduce the running costs of your home.

Looking for kitchen improvement ideas? Look no further than The Essential Guide to Home Improvement.

The Essential Guide is full of real life examples of different ways you can improve your home.

Be inspired by the beautiful homes and enjoy practical tips from industry experts on a variety of building projects.

Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide.

News Stories supplied by The Federation of Master Builders, for more information please visit www.fmb.org.uk