We tend to think if our roof isn’t leaking we are good to go for winter, but there are other things we must check around our homes to ensure we are prepared.
Of course, the weather varies around our country, so I tried to find tips to benefit all. Wherever we live, we want to do everything possible to save electricity and keep homes warm or cool, depending on the season. The first place to begin is to put insulation into the roof void over the ceiling.
There are many products on the market, all good, so the best advice I can give is to go for the best you can afford. Research shows heat loss around doors and windows can account for between 25% and 30% of heating and energy use. Because our climate is relatively moderate, we tend not to check for draughts.
To check if your doors and windows are sealing properly, close a door or window on a strip of paper. If it slides easily, you need to do something about resealing to prevent draughts.
Small gaps can be easily closed using foam-based sealing tape. Don’t forget the bottom of your external doors – each door should be fitted with a weather bar, with the top-of-the-range models pushing down and sealing.
Following on last week’s theme that old is sometimes best, don’t forget the “sausages” – long bags filled with sand and placed against the bottom of a door – that used to be used to prevent draughts.
At the same time, check for rot. Use a small screwdriver tip to test if your woodwork is sound – if it pushes easily into soft spots you need to consider having these areas repaired before you get to the point where you need to replace a door or window.
*If you have a question for Don, send it to [email protected] or
SMS only to 0824463859.