Think about winter proofing your home before the cold snap bites

It won’t be too long before the clocks go back – leading to shorter days and darker evenings … a sign that winter is on the way.

As the heating may get turned up a degree, and we cosy up rather than venturing out, be sure not to go into home hibernation as autumn kicks in.

Now is a great time to winter proof your property with a series of checks and actions.

Safe Local Trades can offer experts at the touch of a button across the PE area to help make your home awesome in autumn and ward off the worries of winter.

By preparing your property – both inside and out – before the cold snap bites, you can save on effort, energy and also be kind to your pocket.

A safe and reliable boiler is key to keeping your home cosy; from heating to hot water – and there is no need to break down even if your boiler does; simply search for the nearest Safe Local Trades member in your area.

However, you may have a pre-winter maintenance checklist for your home and garden which could avoid a November nightmare or December disaster; with our Safe Local Trades members offering rescue and remedy:

• Check all external pipes. Blocked or leaking pipes can freeze during the cold months, then expand and burst – causing potentially expensive water damage.
• Think about insulation. A properly insulated property is an absolute must. Make sure that you check the basics, starting with obvious draft points. Invest in some draft excluder to keep doors and windows secure. Check the cladding around your boiler and pipes and make sure that taps don’t leak.
• Bleed your radiators. A great way to warm up your property is to bleed the radiators. This releases any trapped air, allowing hot water to fill every part of your radiator and warm the property more efficiently.
• Get a boiler service. Arrange for a professional to service your boiler each year. As everyone starts to switch on or boost their central heating, the surge in gas consumption can lead to a big increase in boiler breakdowns.
• Clear out your gutters. In autumn, leaves can collect in gutters and drains, leading to blocks and overflows - so it’s best to clean them regularly. Consider investing in gutter leaf guards to help prevent your gutters becoming blocked in future.

Meanwhile, here’s a seasonal maintenance checklist:

• Check the stopcock is working
• Check the window frames and doors are sealed well
• Use draft excluders under doorways and around letterboxes
• Clean and put away any outside furniture
• Inspect the roof for damage or leaks that could worsen over the winter
• Ensure all locks, security lights, and alarm systems are working properly
• Check there are no leaks when it’s raining in the guttering joints

To source reputable traders, for any of the above jobs and many more, visit www.safelocaltrades.com  and use the Search options.