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Preparing Your Home for Winter
Before the days get darker and the temperature drops, it’s a good idea to start preparing for winter around your home and garden. During the winter months, your home is subjected to wind, rain, frost and snow, which can cause problems like damp, leaks and mould if left untreated. Read on to learn how to winterproof your home, including our top tips on preparing your garden for cold weather.
How to winterproof your home
Wondering how to keep your home warm in winter? From fixing draughts to protecting exterior walls and repairing guttering, there are several ways to prepare for the colder months.
1. Fix leaky windows
Many people have higher energy bills during winter because their windows are draughty, the sealant is damaged, or they’re poorly insulated. An influx of cold air makes your home chilly, and moisture can get in, causing dampness and mould. You can try a few fixes to resolve draughty windows, including sealant, draught excluders, or, if necessary, fitting new windows.
2. Protect exterior walls
Your home’s exterior walls must be weatherproof to withstand the harsh winter climate. If you notice any cracks in the brickwork, repair these with an exterior filler to prevent leaks. Then, paint your home with specialist masonry paint to prevent mould and algae growth. Choose from several shades to suit your property, including black, white and magnolia.
3. Inspect your roof and guttering
On a dry day, it’s worth checking the gutters aren’t blocked, and all your roof tiles are in place. Roof leaks are costly and can cause significant damage to your home, so prevention is better than cure. Fallen leaves can quickly block gutters, which may cause damp on interior walls if left untreated.
Preparing your garden for winter
Now you know how to prepare for winter around your home, discover our winter garden maintenance tips to ensure your outdoor furniture, decking, sheds, and fencing are in good condition.
1. Pack away garden furniture
From frost and snow to rain, wind and storms, winter weather can damage outdoor furniture. We recommend storing garden furniture indoors over the colder months, preferably in a shed or garage.
When spring arrives, clean your garden furniture thoroughly to remove dust and grime. If you have wooden garden furniture, treat it after cleaning with a nourishing oil, glossy varnish or specialist exterior woodcare treatments. Explore our guide to painting and protecting outdoor furniture for more advice.
2. Weatherproof your decking
Decking experiences a lot of wear and tear, from UV rays to harsh winter weather, so it’s vital to protect it. Start with a thorough clean using a specialist deck cleaner, then apply a decking oil or anti-slip stain. Our range of decking care has everything you need to give your decking some TLC before winter. Discover our top tips for prepping and painting garden decking, including a step-by-step guide.
3. Secure your fencing
High winds can batter your fencing, causing it to fall over or break. Secure it with sturdy fence posts and concrete bases, and nail any loose panels back in place before winter. To prevent cracks in the wood caused by harsh frost, apply fence protection products from Dulux. Learn how to weatherproof wood in our dedicated guide, including fencing, sheds and decking.
Frequently asked questions about preparing your home for winter
Looking for more advice on protecting your home this winter? Gary Marsh, an award-winning Dulux Select Decorator, shares his top tips for protecting exterior paintwork, the best time to paint and which products to use.
Why protect your exterior paintwork?
Like any exterior surface, paintwork is subject to wear and tear over time. Protecting your paintwork can make it look great for longer and prevent costly damage to your home:
If your exterior paintwork shows signs of age or breaking down, give it your attention as soon as possible. Delaying this might result in moisture getting inside the timber or masonry, leading to expensive repairs or even replacing full frames.
When is the best time to paint your home’s exterior?
Although you can paint your home’s interior any time of year, painting exterior surfaces is trickier, as they’re exposed to the elements. Dry, warm weather provides the ideal conditions for painting outdoors, so don’t leave this job too late in the year:
I would advise getting exterior paintwork done in the spring or summer. Due to damp and frost, I would not recommend painting exterior surfaces later in the year, as the paint will not adhere well.
What are the best exterior paints?
Several types of exterior paint are available at Dulux Decorator Centre, including masonry, wood and exterior trim paint. Each comes in various shades and finishes to suit your property, but it’s vital to choose the correct type for the surface you’re working on:
Always use paints manufactured specifically for exterior surfaces, as standard interior paints won’t last as long. I use the Dulux Weathershield range as I find them the best on the market for finish and protection. Always remember the three Ps when painting: protection, preservation and presentation.
For more advice on weatherproofing your home this winter, visit our blog to find related articles, including:
How to get the perfect exterior finish with Dulux Weathershield