In the UK something that can cause problems in the winter is the weather. It is important to be aware of the weather especially during the winter months as you need to protect yourself and your home from it. Keep an eye out on any weather warnings and follow advice to prepare for them and be aware of the changes that you can make to ensure that you and your home are able to withstand the wintery weather. Here are some things to be aware of…
The Cold – The cold is of course a part of winter but in order to make sure that you protect your health you need to make sure that you are not too cold. This can lead to serious health problems. If you are going out for a walk, invest in some thermals and wrap up warm, and keep your home at around 18 degrees Celsius to make sure that you are not suffering from being exposed to the cold.
Rain and Flooding – This can cause big problems, even if you are not in an area that is prone to flooding. Something that you can do to make sure that your home and garden is prepared for heavy rainfall is to make sure that your drains and pipes are up to the challenge! Get a professional like this sewer pipe lining Solihull based company https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-wolverhampton/ to come and check your drains for blockages or damage before winter arrives.
Wind – Earlier in the year, we had some very windy days, and it is usual in the winter to have winds get stronger. Check trees near to the home, as well as your fence to make sure that they are strong enough to withstand strong winds. Also make sure that you secure garden furniture and toys to the ground to prevent them from blowing away.
Snow and Ice – This can cause problems if you are not careful – walking in particular is something that you should take more care of when conditions are slippery underfoot. Get some special walking boots that will help you to get more grip of the ground when you walk. You should also be aware of driving in icy conditions and make sure that you take it slowly and clear your car of snow before you set off.
How heavy rain and flooding affect drains
Winter rain does not only threaten roofs and gardens. Drains carry dirty water away from the home and keep us healthy, and heavy rain can put them under real strain. If you suspect a drain problem after bad weather, get a professional to look at it.
When the ground floods, too much water soaks into the soil. That puts pressure on the drains and on the structures around them, so excess water should be cleared as soon as possible to let the ground dry out.
Drains can only handle so much water at once, and floodwater carries debris with it. The combination makes blockages far more likely, particularly where there are already problems in the system, which is a good reason to maintain drains regularly. Large volumes of water can also make pipes buckle and break, especially in older drains, and debris forced into the system can crack them too. Damage like this needs repairing quickly before it gets worse.
Checking the roof, fences and drains
Preparing your home before the worst of winter arrives is far cheaper and less stressful than dealing with serious damage afterwards. The roof takes a real beating in winter, so have it checked before the bad weather sets in. Look at any trees near the house, as strong winds can bring branches down onto the roof and falling leaves can clog the guttering. Any damage you find should be repaired by a professional.
Fences are among the most common casualties of winter storms. A fallen fence can leave the garden insecure, letting in neighbouring dogs, children or even intruders, and it can crush or damage whatever it lands on. If a fence shows signs of weakness, get it looked at now.
Winter also brings long spells of wet weather and the risk of flooding. Make sure drains are clear and nothing is blocking them. Autumn leaves are one of the most common culprits at this time of year.
Preparing for high winds
Winter storms often bring strong winds as well as cold. UK winds are rarely as destructive as hurricanes elsewhere, but they can still do real damage. The great storm of 1987 tore trees from their roots along the south coast and brought down power lines, leaving many homes without electricity.
Keep up to date with weather warnings for your area and follow the advice given. Before the stormy season, check your home for anything that could cause trouble in a gale. Make sure drainpipes are secure, the roof is in good repair, and ask a tree surgeon to look at any trees close to the house.
Take care on the roads too. Bridges and exposed routes may close, and flying debris is a risk when winds are strong. If travel warnings are in place, only make essential journeys, and keep your vehicle well maintained so a breakdown does not leave you stranded in bad weather.