‘This the festive season, and while plenty of us want a white Christmas, a good portion of us hope the weather does not get too out of hand. The cold and the damp are part in parcel of winter, but as long as you know you can escape it, you can usually get through it.
However, what happens when these issues start creeping into our warm refuge?
There are a few common building issues to look out for in winter, and it is worth keeping your eyes peeled so you can spot a problem and prevent anything from getting worse.
Read on to find out more!
The Disastrous Damp
Spotting damp issues usually is not that hard as they are quite good at making themselves known. That being said, some ‘tell-tale’ signs can clue you in.
Musty smells often accompany damp areas, whether it is clothes, items, or masonry. So, if you smell something a little off and fusty, it could indicate that there is a moist issue somewhere. These smells will usually accompany obvious wet patches on the walls, ceiling, or corners, along with mildew, condensation, and mold.
Pest Problems
Pests come and go through all seasons, but when winter strikes, many little critters will try to reach for the warmth. While many of us wish we could give homes to animals seeking shelter, they are called pests for a reason and can cause a lot of damage to a building that could be difficult or expensive to repair.
If you find a hoard of rodents that need to be removed from a building, then getting professional help can get it sorted quickly and efficiently. Gulf Coast Exterminators has provided reasonably priced and very effective Kingwood pest control for over 20 years.
Managing The Mulch
Another common building issue that happens in winter is the buildup of natural debris. With leaves relentlessly cascading and needing somewhere to land, gutters can become clogged, leading to leaks and the damp.
Keep an eye on drains, gutters, and anything else that can overflow and become clogged, and get rid of it as soon as it starts to pile up to prevent any damage from occurring.
Pipe Pressure
Pipes are a delicate part of a building in winter as they provide the much-needed heating and water warmth. However, what happens when the pipes get too cold due to the change in weather? If a pipe gets frozen over night and is blocked in the morning it can block up and then burst. Or a constantly frozen and heated pipe can cause problems and burst or overflow. A burst pipe is no joke, and preventing this from happening will also prevent a lot of heartache (and expenses!) Keep your pipes on an even keel by making sure they are insulated. This can be done simply with a wrap of towels or pipe foam. Then, check on them periodically so if something untoward happens, you can minimize the damage as soon as possible.