Easy Home DIY Tasks to do Before Winter Sets In

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

Winter is on the way, with its stereotypically unsettled weather, lower temperatures, and short, dull days. Just as we brace ourselves against the wind, rain, and cold, so we should prepare our property to withstand the weather as well. With many of us concerned about the price of gas and electricity amidst the current global energy crisis, there has never been a better time to safeguard our homes against the elements to make our fuel (and therefore our finances) go further.

As a season where we spend much of our time indoors, winter is also a great time to devote our attention to laborious household projects that we may have been putting off during the summer. These range from practical, such as resealing our bath to prevent leaks, to fun, like redecorating our walls so we can wake up in our dream home by new year. Discover the easy home DIY tasks that everyone should do before winter really sets in.

Revamp your walls

While late summer and late autumn are the best times to paint your home, this is just because they are the periods of time mostly likely to have stable weather. As long as it is dry outside and not too hot (this can crack the paint), you’re good to go! Before painting or laying wallpaper, strip away any existing wallpaper and sand down your skirting boards and doorframes. When you are stripping wallpaper, be sure to wear the correct PPE kit including safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself.

Protect against damp

The most unwelcome house visitor during winter is damp and mould, predominantly found in the bathroom due to the volume and temperature of water that is used. The best way to combat damp is to ensure that the bathroom has good ventilation. When bathing, make sure to open a window to allow fresh air in. You should also install an extractor fan if you do not already have one. Heating the room regularly is also beneficial to dry any remnants of water more quickly. Reseal your bath to protect against leaks and consider using damp-proof paint to discourage old damp from returning.

Draught-proof rooms

As gas prices continue to rise exponentially, it is a good idea to improve the efficiency of your home heating system. This means that you require less gas to achieve the desired temperature. One of the easiest ways to do this is to draught-proof your rooms to prevent heat from escaping through small gaps. Check your windows and doorways and fit draught excluders to the bottom of the frames. You should also bleed your radiators to release any trapped air that will slow hot water circulation, and get your boiler serviced to ensure that it is working as efficiently as possible.

Check roof condition

Last but not least, look to the outside of your home. Issues here naturally start to affect the interiors in time. Check your roof for loose or broken tiles which could be swept off during high winds and cause damage to the area below or allow water to enter your home. It is also a good idea to check your roof insulation before winter and add more insulative materials if necessary. While you are outside, take time to clean your gutters to prevent stagnant water build up and potential leaks.

SEE ALSO: 6 Improvements That Will Make Your Home Instantly More Luxurious