Published: 26/03/2019 By Peter Barry
Running a busy Property Management department gives us an insight into some of the more common issue that can be dealt with easily and effectively. Listed below are a few of the most common.Bleed radiators
If, like many households, you haven’t had cause to crank up the central heating over the long hot summers we are seeing more of, early Autumn is a good time to bleed all the radiators and heated towel rails in your property. Air can build up in the system and this can restrict the flow of hot water around the pipes. Don’t wait for that Arctic cold snap to realise there’s a problem – check them now and you’ll be toasty all winter. You might also consider a boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
De-clutter your gutters
Come September leaves will carpet the ground, as soon as you sweep them up and throw them away, they seem to magically reappear. While it’s great to have a leaf-free lawn and driveway, your time would be better spent climbing a ladder and removing the leaves from the gutters around your house. If they’re left to build up they will eventually mulch down and can have a serious impact on your drainage. Gutters will overflow and you might find you’re walking through Niagara Falls every time you walk out of the front door. Damp issue on exterior walls can also arise when drainage is not clear. Again, this is a simple (if unpleasant) job to do but it will save you a lot of hassle further into winter.
Check your ventilation
Condensation can be the bane of the UK house but it’s fairly easy to avoid. It tends to manifest itself during the colder months, as windows are shut, the heating is on and moisture has little chance of escaping. If you have trickle vents in walls or windows, check these are clear, or consider installing some if you have persistent condensation. It’s important to keep rooms aired during the winter to stop moisture build-up, so make a point of opening windows for a period every day. Hanging washing on a cloths horse in the spare room can also encourage damp in a poorly ventilated room. Consider installing a tumble drier. Good extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom where temperatures fluctuate more and where there is likely to be more moisture is essential if condensation is an issue.