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Seasonal Home Maintenance
Severe Weather Safety and Advice From SkyWarn UK
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| Season: |
| Autumn / Winter |
| Spring / Summer |
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Chimney:
Have the chimney swept annually. Consider having a cap or screen fitted to keep out birds, leaves, and the like.
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Roof:
Check your roof for missing, slipped, or damaged roof tiles. You should also check flashing around chimneys, vents, and elsewhere to make sure it is watertight.
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Guttering:
Inspect the gutters on your home several times through the autumn and winter, especially if there are trees near your home. Gutters and downpipes should direct water away from your homes foundations, walkways, and driveways.
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Windows:
Ensure your windows are well fitting and draught proof. Making sure your windows are draught proof will help keep the warmth in your home and the cold out. Consider fitting storm shutters if you are in an area prone to damaging winds.
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Entry Doors:
Apply weather-stripping and recaulk around doors if necessary to help reduce draughts and keep the cold out.
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Pipes and Vents:
All external pipes should be lagged and insulated to prevent them freezing in cold weather. Holes and cracks in outside walls near pipes should be sealed with caulk. If you can turn off the supply to outdoor taps from inside the property you may wish to do so.
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Driveways and Paths:
Clear driveways and paths of snow and ice by using salt, de-icer and shovelling where needed. Doing so will help reduce the risk of injury from slips and falls.
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Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture that may be prone to damage from harsh winter conditions should be stored indoors or covered. Light, loose furniture that may blow around in high winds should be secured.
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Landscaping:
Trees, shrubs, and bushes near to your home should be trimmed, as should those near to power cables. Icy conditions, heavy snow, and high winds can cause tree limbs and branches to break, which may disrupt power to your home or cause other damage.
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