The most common household problems in winter

How to avoid a Christmas disaster

Winter is a beautiful time of year – snowy landscapes, family Christmases and the warmth of the fireplace. But if your home is not properly prepared, it can bring plenty of problems. Burst pipes, broken heating and draughty windows are just a few of the most common faults that can spoil the festive mood. In this article you will find practical tips on protecting your home against winter’s challenges and avoiding a disaster that would make your blood run cold.

1. Plumbing problems – how to prevent frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter problems. When water in the pipes freezes, it expands, which can cause them to burst and flood the house.

How to prevent it

Insulate pipes: Wrap pipes in areas exposed to frost (e.g. in the loft, cellar or garage) with insulation material available at any DIY store.
Keep water flowing: If a hard frost is forecast, leave a gentle trickle of water running through the pipes – moving water does not freeze as easily.
Maintain the right temperature: Keep a minimum temperature in your home, even if you are going away for Christmas.

Practical tips on pipe insulation are available at Home Depot.

2. Draughty windows and doors – how to keep the heat in

Heat loss through draughty windows and doors not only increases heating bills but also makes the home less comfortable.

How to prevent it

Seals: Check the condition of the seals on windows and doors. Replace damaged ones or fill gaps with special sealing tape.
Winter windows: For older windows, consider fitting additional secondary glazing frames or thermal insulation film.
Draughts: Block draughts with special draught excluders placed along the bottom of the door.

3. Heating problems – the cold won’t wait

Nothing spoils the festive mood quite like a heating breakdown. Heating is the foundation of comfort in the winter months, so it is worth making sure it is in good order before temperatures drop below zero.

How to prevent it

Service the system: Regular servicing of your central heating boiler or heat pump is a must. Have a specialist do it before the heating season.
Bleed the radiators: Check that your radiators heat evenly. If not, open the bleed valve to release the trapped air.
Fuel supplies: If you use a fireplace or a wood or pellet stove, make sure you have enough fuel for the whole winter.

4. Damp and mould – the invisible enemy of the winter months

The winter months encourage damp to build up, especially in poorly ventilated rooms. Damp leads to mould, which is harmful not only to your health but also to the structure of the building.

How to prevent it

Ventilation: Air rooms regularly, especially those with higher humidity (bathroom, kitchen).
Dehumidifiers: In areas at high risk of damp, use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers.
Sealing: Make sure the roof, gutters and flashings have no leaks through which water can get in.

5. Power cuts – what to do when the lights go out

Heavy snowfall and frost can damage power lines, resulting in power cuts. Without electricity, you may be left not only without light but also without heating, if your heating system is electric.

How to prevent it

Emergency lighting: Keep torches and spare batteries to hand.
Generator: In areas with frequent power cuts, it is worth investing in a small generator to keep the most important appliances running – then winter household problems will hold no fear for you
Backup heat source: A fireplace or free-standing stove can be a great safeguard in the event of a power cut.

6. Snow on the roof – a silent cause of trouble

A build-up of snow on the roof can put a load on the structure, and a sudden thaw can cause leaks.

How to prevent it

Clear snow regularly: Make sure snow is removed from the roof, especially on flat roofs – this will minimise the risk of winter problems in your home
Gutter heating systems: Install an anti-icing system in the gutters and along the roof edges to prevent icicles and blockages from forming.

Fitako’s tips – look after your home in winter

Although winter can bring all sorts of challenges, properly preparing your home helps you avoid many problems. If you are unsure about the technical condition of your home, or are planning a renovation to make it work better in winter, get in touch with Fitako.

We offer:

Technical inspections of building services and façades – make sure your home is ready for winter.
Professional renovations and interior finishing – create a warm, safe space for your family and get rid of winter household problems
Construction of traditional and timber-frame houses – solid solutions that will survive any winter.