We are unfortunately heading towards the winter months once again and it is time to ensure your home is up to scratch to fend off our harsh climate. Be it getting the heating or plumbing checked, or cleaning the chimney, these are the types of jobs that must be considered at this stage of the year.
It is well worth regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier. Perhaps the most common ailment to both cleaned and uncleaned gutters is a leak. Easily found and repaired during routine inspection of the gutter, a leak that goes unfixed can cause major damage to the exterior of your home and even the gutter itself. A leak can cause mold and rotting, leading to the gutter giving away and falling from your roof.
Winter is also the time of year the fire is being used most and a chimney inspection should be scheduled once a year. The job of the chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages and built-up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper. This cleaning will help create a safer operation of your system during the heating system. It takes only a small accumulation of creosote glazing to create the potential for a chimney fire. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside your chimney or liner as a result of burning wood.
When a chimney sweep is taking place, don't forget to check out the fireplace itself also. Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Another area of the house which requires regular maintenance is the roof. Inspect your roof, or hire a licensed professional to examine your roof for wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them. If you have a lot of damage, it's time to replace the entire roof. Also, check the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps, heavy snow and ice will find its way in.
To prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing, turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes. Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.
If you use a hot water system for heating, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators. Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. The vapour barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space. If it is installed incorrectly (with the vapour barrier facing up ) then the insulation will trap moisture causing possible water problems. Cut slits in the vapour barrier to allow moisture to escape.
There are a number of local service providers advertising on the Galway Advertiser classified pages. For more information, go to classifieds.advertiser.ie.
