How to prepare the outside of your home for winter

1. Draughtproof your home. Sealing all gaps and holes around doors and windows can cut heat loss by up to 25 per cent in winter. Click here 

 

2. Clean gutters. A clogged gutter can lead to flooding, so get on top of this job before the weather gets too cold.

 

3. Weatherproof your deck. Applying a clear or staining sealer to your deck will help protect it from the elements. 

 

4. Consider outdoor heating. There's no reason not to fire up the barbie if you have an efficiently heated outdoor area. The trick is to find one that suits your family's needs.

 

5. Clean and store outdoor furniture if you live in an area prone to storms. Outdoor settings can be swept away by high winds, causing damage to the furniture and your home.

 

6. Fill any concrete cracks. If water gets in a crack and freezes, it will make it worse. Click here

 

7. Consider relocating shrubs. A plant that has outgrown its original spot or is no longer getting enough sun for healthy growth should be moved. Most plants aren’t actively growing in the coolest months so the effects of disturbing them are minimised.

 

8. Repair hedge gaps. Winter is the time to address any gaps in hedging. A little pruning and maintenance can encourage it to grow back thickly in spring. Click here

 

9. Prune trees and branches close to the house to prevent them from falling onto your home. 

 

10. Consider moving pot plants and herbs inside or to a more sheltered area in your backyard.