One of these days, Britain will thaw and it'll finally be safe to venture out without Michelin-man style winter woollies. When that happens, it'll be time to check how your home and garden fared in the freezing temperatures and to decide what repairs are needed.
Remember practical-minded homeowners may be able to tackle smaller jobs, but if you need to replace guttering or roof tiles or may need to use a cement mixer, then it's worth seeking the help of a professional builder. Avoid those rogues keen to cheat a vulnerable customer by visiting www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder to find a reputable builder in your area.
Freezing temperatures will have found the flaws in your home and garden, so check:
- Is your roof still in a good state? Waterstains on your ceiling are a likely sign of a leaking roof, but after the freezing weather it's worth checking your roof for loose, cracked or missing tiles, lifted lead flashing or cracked rendering. These could cause water to seep or be blown inside the house. If you need to replace guttering or roof tiles, then it's worth seeking the help of a professional builder. Search www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder to find one in your area.
- Detached gutters and blocked drains? Melting snow and rain can drip onto gutter brackets causing them to crack, rust or break. Re-attach gutters and downpipes as soon as possible to avoid water dripping down walls and causing damp patches. Also make sure gutters and drains are unblocked.
- Burst or cracked pipes? If freezing temperatures cracked any pipes in the housework, it's worth checking that the rest of the pipework is intact and get it well lagged to avoid them freezing again.
- Whistling windows and doors? If you are feeling draughts, now is the time to insulate your windows, doors and other areas where outside air can get in. Your builder can help you make your home feel warmer by filling in the gaps between windows and doors, known as 'caulking' and weather-stripping.
- Cracks and potholes in the driveway or patio? Cracks and potholes can form when a driveway or patio freezes then thaws. These need repairing as soon as you notice them to avoid further deterioration. Talk through the project with a local builder.
- Time to get out in the garden? The garden, which looked like a Christmas card two weeks ago, may now have broken or damaged tree branches or house a leaning or broken fence. The roof of an outbuilding or shed could well have developed leaks. Check thoroughly and if they need, fix them now.
Is Your Home Letting Out Precious Heat?
While you are checking for snow and ice damage, why not give your home an energy efficiency check?
Most heat is lost through poor insulation and glazing and nearly half of all heat loss is through the loft space and walls. Good roof and cavity wall insulation, double glazing, an insulating jacket on your hot water cylinder and a condensing boiler will significantly reduce the running costs of your home.
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Should the freezing temperatures return and you need to venture out, the FMB has found the answer to stop you slipping. These ice grips simply slip over shoes or boots to provide added grip in freezing temperatures.
» To win one of three sets, click here to enter
Closing date 28th February 2010. |
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Free Entry To Buildstore's Swindon Show If Booked In Advance
The National Self-Build and Renovation Show takes place at Swindon-based Buildstore from 26 - 28 February, with live demonstrations, seminars and experts - including BBC Changing Room's Oliver Heath. Whether you're interested in building your own home, doing some serious home improvements, renovating an older property to bring it back to life or converting a building to create a stylish new home, this show can help.
For more information and to pre-register for free entry visit www.buildstore.co..uk/show
Swindon Buildstore 26 - 28 February 2010
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| HELP THE HAITIAN PEOPLE |
The FMB is lending its support to the fundraising effort for the thousands of victims of last month's massive Haiti earthquake. This quake, the worst natural disaster for years, has left more than 150,000 people dead, thousands injured and 1.5 million homeless.
If you would like to join the FMB in supporting this emergency fund, please click here.
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The Essential Guide to Home Improvement is packed with ideas.
The Essential Guide offers plenty of ways to save energy and money, as well as suggestions for different types of home improvement.
There are inspirational examples of beautiful homes and practical tips from industry experts on a variety of building projects.
Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide.
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National - NEC Birmingham - 18-21 March 2010
Scotland - SECC Glasgow 15-16 May 2010
Surrey - Sandown Park, Esher 26 -27 June 2010
Harrogate - Harrogate International Centre 5-7 November 2010 |
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