bleed radiator

As we bid goodbye to the fall season and prepare to welcome winter, we shouldn’t only be focusing on upgrading our wardrobe, but the focus should be on prepping our homes for the winter to avoid any upcoming maintenance challenges. The best way to do so is by prepping our homes in advance so that we can stay comfy during the cold winter.

Here are some common maintenance challenges that might occur during the cold season. Read on to learn more.

Leaky Roofs

Did you know that the tiny gaps between the roofing sheets can culminate into bigger problems since the cold and freezing climate induces extension and contraction of the material? The good news is that you can prevent the formation of ice dams by prepping in time and ensuring that there are no crevices in the attic which might potentially cause the escape of hot air.

If you cannot find any gaps, you can also ask a professional to help you with the inspection and ensure that everything is sealed. You can prevent gaps by assessing the roof or attic during the winter season. Keep your eyes open for loose shingles, missing nails, and disrupted caulk.

By regularly cleaning the gutters and breaking up frozen water on the roof, you can prevent the build-up of ice dams. If you cannot do it yourself, you might want to call in a plumber or a handyman to assist you with the needful.

Chimney Issues

As the exterior temperature starts to drop, the struggle on the inside focuses on getting the chimney going, which can also lead to the build-up of creosote. Usually, the build-up of tar is caused by the accumulation of vapor, minerals, wooden particles, and gases, and these elements fly up the chimney while leaving the burning furnace.

If you ignore your chimney and the build-up of creosote, your house is at the risk of catching fire since the creosote is extremely flammable. That said, before the arrival of winter, you ought to examine the exterior of the chimney and look out for any cracks and discoloration.

Also, call in a professional and get your chimney inspected before burning the furnace. By doing so, you can save your house from the risk of getting destroyed in the case of any sparking fire.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

While we recommend this guide on how to bleed a radiator, you should also pay attention to the poorly insulated spaces of your house where the pipes always run the risk of freezing. Frozen pipes are amongst the top reasons that countless homes endure extensive damage. Frozen pipes can burst and severely damage walls, roofs, floors, and furniture.

If you want to prevent frozen pipes, we recommend keeping the heater on, even when you are not at home. However, it is also recommended to insulate the pipes, especially in the colder regions of your house, such as the cellar. Keep the cabinet doors closed and ensure the taps are turned off whenever you step out of the house.

Beware the Mold

Another common winter challenge connected with home maintenance is the growth of mold, especially in the bathroom vents and the outside walls. If you have a laundry room, you might want to check it for mold growth too. To prevent mold, you can remove the carpets from those rooms and areas that are susceptible to humidity and getting wet. Before the winter season kicks in, you ought to have your house thoroughly inspected for the growth of mold. Also, use a dehumidifier to get rid of the damp and humidity.