Get through the winter with these 5 jobs
Winter brings cold, rain and snow, which can cause inconvenience and damage to your home. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid many problems. In this blog, we discuss five jobs you can easily tackle to ensure your home makes it through the winter. And with Aquaplan products, you’ll be fully equipped for the job!
Job 1: Unclog and clean your gutters
A clogged gutter can cause huge problems. If rainwater and melting snow cannot drain away properly, water will accumulate and cause damage to your façade or roof. Ideally, you should clean your gutters before winter sets in, but this job can be done anytime.
How do you go about it?
- Remove leaves, branches and other debris with a trowel or gutter cleaner.
- Rinse the gutter with water to detect blockages.
- Check if there is any damage to your gutter or drain.
Aquaplan tip: Use Aquaplan leaf catchers to ensure optimum rainwater flow. They catch leaves and other debris and allow the water to pass through, saving you a lot of cleaning work next time!
Job 2: Make your roof waterproof and draught-proof
A well-maintained roof is essential to keep out the cold and damp. Check your roof for cracks, seams and other damage, as these can lead to draughts or leaks.
What do you need?
- Inspect the ridge, seams and edges of your roof for gaps or loose parts.
- Roof edges and corners are often the weakest points where rainwater or snow can enter. Water that gets in this way can damage insulation, wood and even the structure. Properly sealing these areas will prevent water from seeping in through seams.
Aquaplan tip: With Roof Repair Tile Fix, you ensure storm-proof anchoring of tiles, ridge caps and lead connections. It can be used to seal draughts and make corrugated sheets, skylights and cable ducts watertight.
Job 3: Insulate your loft and seal gaps
A poorly insulated loft is a major cause of heat loss. Tackling thermal bridges and gaps will help you keep the heat in and save a lot of money on your heating bills.
How do you do this?
- Check the loft for places where cold air enters.
- Use insulation to fill cracks and gaps.
- If necessary, install draught excluders on the windows or doors in the loft.
Aquaplan tip: IKO enertherm ALU TG is the most energy-saving loft insulation. The ideal choice for windproofing and damp-proofing your loft, wall, floor and ceiling. The insulation boards fit together perfectly due to their unique tongue-and-groove system, making them easy to install. There is also no need for an additional vapour barrier to ensure that condensation does not penetrate either side.
Job 4: Treat damp walls
In winter, it is harder for moisture in walls to evaporate, especially in rooms with insufficient ventilation. This can lead to mould growth, damage to your walls and even health problems for occupants. Tackling damp walls before winter can prevent bigger problems.
- Inspect walls for moisture stains: Check for discolouration, mould or a musty smell. These are signs of rising or penetrating damp.
- Repair moisture problems ASAP: Use a waterproof coating or moisture-repellent product like Wall Protect Sealer or Wall Protect Condens Stop to protect your walls from further damage.
- Treat mildew spots: Mould and mildew can grow quickly in damp environments such as basements or poorly ventilated rooms. Use a mould remover to combat existing mould and prevent new growth.
Aquaplan tip: For stubborn moisture problems like rising damp on façade and exterior walls, Aquaplan offers specialised solutions such as Wall Protect Inject Liquid or Rain Protect Hydrofuge Cream.
Job 5: Repair cracks and damage caused by frost
Frost is a culprit for cracks in walls, foundations and roofing. If water gets into the cracks, it can freeze and worsen the damage. Repairing cracks quickly will prevent bigger problems.
So don’t delay!
- Inspect your home for visible cracks in walls, roof coverings and asphalt.
- Clean and dry the cracks.
- Purchase the right materials for the type of crack you want to repair. Aquaplan offers Roof Repair Regular for your roof coverings or Road Repair Asphalt Refresh for your driveway.
Aquaplan tip: Looking for detailed information on how to ensure cracks don’t damage your infrastructure? You’ll find everything you need to know in this handy guide for repairing cracks!
