Rex Nye from independent builders’ merchant D.W. Nye offers his advice for the most important home and garden maintenance jobs to get done before winter takes hold.
After all the recent hot weather, it’s hard to imagine that the long summer days will gradually start to dissipate into darker evenings come autumn. As the season changes, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good idea to start thinking about some of the more important tasks to undertake around the home and garden before winter hits.
From checking drains to remedying roofing, make the following jobs part of your maintenance must-dos and ensure you aren’t hit with any hefty bills, or nixed by nasty surprises.
Get your garden in order
Increased rainfall and high winds can play havoc on fencing so check that all panels and posts are firmly fixed and securely in place. If panels are split or damaged, look to repair or replace them. Replacing panels is a relatively straightforward job and will save you the hassle of attempting to rectify any damage in the event of a gusty storm – after all nobody wants to be outside fixing fencing whilst being battered about by gale force winds! Treating your fencing with one of a wide range of specialist wood preservers or oils will also protect it from the elements.
Keeping your lawn in tip top condition all year round isn’t easy. You can prepare your lawn for winter by continuing to mow it throughout the autumn, and ensuring you cut it at a level of two inches. If the grass is too long, it will become matted, effectively suffocating it and encouraging mould and disease to breed. Alternatively, for a completely maintenance free option, consider replacing your lawn with high quality artificial grass – once installed it delivers all the aesthetics without any of the associated elbow-grease!
Clean up and clear out
Just like you’d give your house a spring clean, give your garden an autumn clear out. Washing down paving, weeding flower beds, raking lawns and giving the windows a once over will all help to keep things under control.
Consider getting your windows checked for leaks. Just a small gap or crack could cause water damage or allow cold air to seep into your home, decreasing the room temperature and racking up heating bills.
Pack up garden furniture, lights and lanterns and store them somewhere dry. If storage is limited or unavailable, invest in a good quality outdoor furniture cover to keep it protected.
Check drains and remedy roofing
Make sure your home is safeguarded from sudden bursts or frequent bouts of rain by checking drains and guttering are clear of debris and obstructions. It’s a good idea to consider protecting your drains from falling leaves by installing a drain protector.
Frost can cause havoc to pipes, causing them to crack. Drain anything that isn’t in use over winter, such as outside water containers. This will stop any water inside from freezing and expanding and consequently causing damage.
Insulation is a straightforward way to prevent damage to pipes during cold spells. It is easily available and can be quickly fitted to exposed pipes. A quick survey inside and outside your property should help to determine which pipes need protecting.
Examine the roof for loose fitting tiles or leakages and get anything suspicious checked out and, if necessary, repaired by a professional.
By investing a bit of time and effort during the warmer months, your home and garden should be ship shape well into the new year.
D.W. Nye Builders Merchant is a family-run business based in Kingsfold, Horsham. Operating since 1985, the company supplies building, timber and landscaping materials to trade, DIY, and retail customers. The company prides itself on providing high quality customer service and has built an excellent reputation in the local community.
Website: www.dwnye.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dwnyebuildersmerchants
Twitter: @dwnyebm
