6 Common Winter Problems Around The Homestead

Whether we want to admit it or not, summer is well and truly over. In fact, autumn is past too. This means we have winter to deal with and all of the household problems that come with it. As magical as the cold and festive months can be, the wind, rain, and snow can wreak havoc on your homestead, causing an uncomfortable and, sometimes, even impossible living situation. Here are six winter problems you may face and how to prevent them.

6 Common Winter Problems Around The Homestead

1. Ice Dams

Formed by a buildup of ice and snow in your guttering, ice dams are one of the major winter problems throughout winter. They lead to damage to your walls and leaks in your roof. They also often create large and dangerous icicles. These can fall and harm any people or property below. To prevent this issue, you should clean out your guttering on a regular basis and check that it is draining as it should.

2. Boiler Breakdown

Although many assume “homesteading” to mean living completely off the grid, this isn’t always the case. In fact, many homesteaders choose to take advantage of the comforts provided by the modern age.  These include heating their homes with a boiler. Of course, when this boiler breaks down, it can cause problems, which is why you should have it serviced sooner rather than later. This prevents it from becoming yet another of the winter problems.

3. Pest Infestation

Pest infestation is one of the most common winter problems. It may be cold outside, but your home is toasty warm.  This is what makes it so attractive to pests outdoors, especially mice and rats. If you find signs of pests on your property, you can call professionals, like Future Services, to deal with the problem. Until that happens, you should block all potential entry points for pests and avoid leaving food or water out in the open.

4. Chimney Fire

House fires occur much more frequently throughout winter than they do throughout summer. The main reason for this is people lighting fires before ensuring that their chimneys have been professionally cleaned. The simple remedy for this problem is calling in those pros to clean yours. You should also make sure you only burn wood, rather than trash or paper to avoid these types of winter problems.

5. Leaking Roof

Roof damage can go unnoticed for months throughout the warmer months when there is less rain forecast. However, the moment a storm hits, you could be flooded out of your own home. Even the smallest of leaks can cause major damage, costing you time and money you can’t afford to lose. This can add to the number of winter problems you may have to deal with. This is why you should check for roof damage before the weather gets any worse.

6. Mini Draughts

Small draughts in your property won’t cause injury or damage, but they can make your life increasingly uncomfortable. You’ll find it difficult to stay warm and spend more and more money trying to do so. Instead of this, you should take a look around your property checking for and blocking any entryways for cold air. You may also want to improve your insulation so you can avoid these types of winter problems.

Many winter problems can be prevented with some basic preparation, so ensure you follow the advice above and keep your property safe and warm this winter.