As the darkness draws in earlier now the clocks have gone back and the weather shows signs of turning colder it¿s important to remember to give your home a 'winter health check'. New homes not only come with new walls, fittings and windows but also with new gardens, new roofs and new drains which may need a little extra attention at this time of year.
The National House-Building Council (NHBC) offers the following advice to homeowners to help with those outside jobs before the winter weather arrives:
It's good to clean your gutters at least once a year of any leaves and debris to prevent blockages and silting up - be careful when placing ladders against plastic gutters or pipework. Where possible use a ladder with an extension bracket
Chimneys should be swept at least once a year to prevent chimney fires and any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning - get them cleaned now and the family should be able to curl up safely in front of the fire and sleep off that Christmas lunch
Tiles on sloping roofs are brittle and can easily crack under a person's weight - anyone who has to go on the roof for any work should always use a roof ladder
Flat roofs are not designed to take heavy loads, do not allow window cleaners or decorators to use the roof for access without protecting the surface. Stone chippings on the roof are there to protect the felt from strong sunlight so don't remove them
Outside woodwork needs preserving against weather conditions. Regularly repainting or preserving the wood will help to protect it. The first repainting will probably be needed after two years and thereafter that it should only need to be done every four to five years. This may vary if you live near the sea or in a more extreme environment
Manholes give access to the drains - do not obstruct them or cover them with soil as you may need to get access to them quickly
Avoid piling up soil and leaves against outside walls as it may cover the damp course and could encourage damp penetration. If you are not sure where your damp course is ask your builder. Ideally keep soil and paving 150mm below the damp course
Ask your solicitor whether you own any fence or wall bordering your property and who should maintain it
Planting trees and shrubs can make your garden more attractive, especially at this time of year, but be careful. Allow enough room for trunks and large roots to grow safely, especially if you are planting near sheds, drains or a neighbour's house
Be aware that tree branches hanging over your roof may be a potential problem, especially in icy and windy conditions. If you can reach them safely, trim them as best you can away from the house
The National House-Building CouncilNHBC is a warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, established nearly 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. The organisation's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.
It does this by:
Registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards
Setting and maintaining construction standards for new homesInspecting at key stages of constructionProviding 'Buildmark,' a ten-year warranty that covers 85% of homes built in the UK and which protects more than 6 million homes.Offering building control services in England and Wales
Providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering and energy rating services for new homes and housing-related sectors.
Useful links:
The National Home Improvement Council
The National House-Building Council
See also on Lifestyle: Roots & Shoots - Advice from the NHBC on planting trees around your property.
PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.
More information available in DIY, Your Home