What Are 3 Commons Problems Home Owners Face In Winter?

With most of us feeling the financial squeeze currently, the last thing we want is an unexpected repair bill or expenses we’ve not budgeted for. In this article, we discuss some of the issues that homeowners commonly face in the winter months and what can be done to mitigate them.

1. Dampness

During the cooler and wetter winter months, dampness can become apparent in certain areas in a home and the causes of dampness inside a home can be wide and varied.

Whilst some can be easy to spot, for example, water ingress as a result of wear and tear or damage to a window surround causing damp patches or areas of peeling paint or wallpaper, other causes can often go undetected until it’s too late.

Potential areas to check and keep well maintained include windows and doors and their surrounds, the location of your water tank (if you have one), as well as checking for rising damp that travels up a wall from the ground.

If you locate any dark patches or peeling paint anywhere, try and discover the root cause and get it dealt with before it becomes more of a problem.

2. Boiler Problems

Whether it’s a boiler with a pesky intermittent problem or it’s decided to pack up completely, winter is the worst possible time for a boiler to break down. Sadly, at this time of year, with boilers under increased pressure as we demand more from them, now is exactly the time when they are most likely to have problems.

A well-maintained boiler that’s as energy efficient as possible can really help avoid unexpected breakdowns, so an annual service is a must and you may way extra peace of mind by taking out specialist boiler insurance.

If the worst does happen this winter, you’ll want it dealt with swiftly. Call on a trusted repair man or woman that you’ve used before or had recommended to you. Failing that turn to your local community Facebook group for recommendations or check online reviews at places like Checkatrade.com and always ensure your boiler engineer is Gas Safe registered.

3. Condensation

At this time of year, even with relatively new double glazing, homeowners might find problems associated with condensation arise. This can range from windows that are hard to see through, to problems with mould.

Mould can grow year-round, but in winter, when wetter conditions tend to prevail, it can go into overdrive. Lack of ventilation paired with practices like drying clothes on radiators can increase the humidity inside a home; the perfect conditions for mould to thrive under.

Try getting into the habit of airing rooms for short periods of time to help discourage mould growth. When windows and doors are covered in condensation, wiping it away can also help.

If you already have mould then taking preventative measures will help slow its spread, but it’s always worth getting an expert’s opinion as some moulds can have negative impacts on human health and are best dealt with swiftly.

Whether you’re thinking of moving home in the new year or perhaps you’re just curious, why not find out how much your property is worth with a completely free, fast, and easy online property valuation.