After a hot start to September, autumn has finally started to kick into gear. As well as being pumpkin-spiced latte season, it’s also one of the best times to tackle essential DIY jobs to make your home warmer and more comfortable. While a lot of these tasks can be done in your own time, they can also be delegated to a business like ASK Building & Repairs. We specialise in building maintenance in Derby and can help to make your home more energy efficient this autumn. Here are the questions worth finding the answers to:
Do you have draughts around your doors and windows?
Draught proofing is quick, cheap, and can reduce your heating bills by 10%. You’ll notice draughts when cold air sneaks in through gaps around your doors, windows, letter boxes, skirting boards, loft hatches, and cracks in the walls. Double glazing will always be the best way to prevent heat from escaping through the windows, but there are other things you can do.
Adding foam seals/strips to gaps will help to keep the cold air out, and sealants can be sprayed into draughty areas around windows, doors, and loft hatches. You could also fit a weather bar or brush strip to prevent cold air from coming in under an external door, while cracks in walls can be filled with cement. (Although large or growing cracks should be checked over in case there are any structural issues that need attention.)
Are your gutters clear of leaves?
If your gutter is clogged up with leaves and mud, water is likely to pool because it won’t be able to run away freely. This often leads to leaks, which in turn can damage your property. The falling leaves in autumn make gutters prone to blockages, so it’s a good idea to remove any debris before the new season gets underway and the evenings get darker. To make life easier, trim back any trees that overhang your gutter, or consider installing a mesh gutter guard that will stop leaves from falling indirectly. If you’re not keen on shimmying up a ladder, we can inspect your gutter for you, get rid of any leaves, and check for any other issues that could lead to costly repairs.
Do you have any missing or broken roof tiles?
While your gutters are having a seasonal inspection, take an extra few minutes to check on the condition of your roof. Look for general weather damage, broken or loose tiles, and any cracks in your chimney. Rain can easily pass through missing/fractured tiles, so check your loft for signs of leaking after a downpour if you suspect your roof has seen better days. Any issues that you notice will be much easier to fix now before the onset of colder and wetter months. So, try and make your roof repairs a priority before the damage gets any worse. ASK Building & Repairs specialise in building maintenance service in Derby and can check the condition of your roof and tiles on your behalf.
Does your heating still work?
You might not need to put your heating on yet, but now is a good time to check it’s still working properly. You don’t want to find that your radiators are broken when an icy spell hits, so give them a trial run now before it gets too cold. If you leave your heating MOT until winter, you may also find that engineers are much busier and booked up. By making sure everything is in full working order, you can book a potential repair before the temperatures plunge and service demand increases. Like most seasonal DIY tasks, a heating check is worth doing simply because it can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Contact ASK Building & Repairs for advice and support.
If you’d like some help in getting your home ready for autumn, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We specialise in building maintenance in Derby and will make sure you’re well-prepared for the colder months. Please contact ASK Building & Repairs by calling 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk.