NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty provider and standards setting body for new build homes, is offering the following tips to keep your home watertight and draught free for the coming winter:
There are many things we can and should do to protect our homes from the effects of harsh weather and good planning also helps to reduce maintenance and utility costs.
Gutters: Gutters should be cleaned out at least once a year to remove leaves and debris. Wet patches on the walls below (both external and internal) may indicate that gutters or downpipes are blocked.
Paintwork: External finishes will become dirty over time and, where appropriate should be washed on a regular basis. Owners of new homes should consider repainting after two years. You may need to repaint more often if you live by the sea or in an exposed area.
Drainage access: Inspection chambers and rodding eyes are there to provide access to the drainage system below ground – so it’s important that these are not covered by soil, turf or paving.
Flat roofs: Flat roofs should be inspected once a year, to ensure that they remain in sound condition and rainwater outlets checked to ensure that they are not blocked.
Heating Systems: Central heating boilers should be checked and serviced at least once a year by a registered competent maintenance engineer, to check they remain safe.
ChimneysShould be swept at least once a year (unless the notice plate suggests alternative maintenance arrangements) to prevent chimney fires and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Bleeding radiators: If you notice that a radiator is warm at the bottom but cool at the top, this indicates that there is air in the system, which prevents the warm circulating water from reaching the top of the radiator. If this is noticed, the radiator will require bleeding.
Cold Spots: An important job as winter creeps in, is to make sure that the house is free of draughts. Look for potential cold spots, and take the necessary cheap and simple measures to eliminate them, to keep the heating down and the home comfortably warm.
If your home is covered by NHBC’s 10 year Buildmark warranty and you spot any problems within the first two years after the home is finished, you should notify the builder in the first instance (keeping a copy of any correspondence) telling them about the damage or defects to your home.
If the builder fails to meet his obligations or it is after the two-year period (years 3-10), contact NHBC on 0844 633 1000, or visit http://www.nhbc.co.uk for further advice.