In the summer, everything is bathed in the sun and also very warm. But damage to materials may not be apparent at first glance. Until the frosts come. Better check the critical spots before that happens.
Autumn is the perfect time to look at the house with different eyes – the eyes of a technician who knows that even a seemingly small thing can cause big problems in winter. A loose gutter, a crack in the grout on the pavement, a leaky window or non-functioning ventilation. These are the details that can do a lot of damage in cold weather. A basic autumn inspection of the house thus helps to prevent stress and unnecessary expenses. Or urgent repairs, for which the weather is not exactly right in winter. However, this does not mean that reconstruction hastily started. Just gently fix what might be causing trouble. And perhaps reduce heating costs at the last minute.
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Start from the roof
Where to start? Straight up. The roof is the first to be hit when it starts to rain, snow, and wind. That is why it is important to check the covering, but also the snow barriers, sheeting and downspouts. When any of this gets damaged, it can start leaking into the roof. This, in turn, leads to damage to the structure and also to a reduction in the efficiency of the thermal insulation. Which you really don’t want in the winter.
If the roof looks fine from the outside, that’s good, but don’t forget to look inside as well. Especially in the attic. This is where the most heat can escape. Therefore, check the condition of the insulation and the functionality of the ventilation. You may be suspicious of cracks in the plaster, loosening of the insulation layers or any moisture, or a change in the color of the materials. The torrential summer rains have probably verified that nothing flows here. And if you do find something, now is the perfect time to fix it. While it’s still warm.
Breathable shell
After checking the roof, it’s time to check the perimeter walls and the facade. Go around the perimeter of the house. Cracks, moisture maps or peeling plaster – you should start solving all this before the first frost! The facade is not just an aesthetic matter. If it is damaged or damaged in any way from the inside, its function is impaired. There may be uneven removal of moisture, the formation of thermal bridges or an increased risk of moisture condensation in the masonry.
Focus on damage that reduces the effectiveness of the insulation – for example, cracks, peeling plaster, damp areas or exposed thermal bridges. That is, transitions, for example, between a window and a wall. If the insulation is significantly damaged or technologically outdated, consider its complete replacement. But autumn is not quite the ideal time for this, and you might not be able to do it that quickly. Therefore, it is better to plan such a big change until next season and at this moment solve only what is really burning. And devote the remaining time to careful selection and planning of future insulation.
Windows and doors
High-quality doors and windows do not only protect you from the cold or noise – they also significantly affect the indoor climate in the house or apartment, light and also the overall acoustics of the house. If they are older or poorly sealed, cold air can penetrate them, drafts arise, and noise from the street increases. At the same time, more dust gets inside, and conversely, moisture does not flow out, so it remains unventilated inside and can thus promote mold growth.
You probably won’t change the windows that quickly. Even so, it is a good idea to check if they are in order before winter. Inspect seals and hinges. Feel free to try with your hand to see if it doesn’t pull under the door or around the windows. With newer windows, it is also often necessary to reset the windows to the so-called winter mode. Sometimes you just need to turn the lever in the frame and you can do it yourself, other times you need to call a technician who will also perform the overall adjustment of the windows. So that it lasts as long as possible.
Terraces, paving and balconies
Outdoor areas also deserve attention after summer. Even though they probably won’t cause any heat loss, do you want to start using them again in the spring, or not? Their surface or tightness can be compromised by anything from heat and UV rays to heavy rain.
You can use siloxane coating as a protection for concrete, stone or brick surfaces – it is colourless, reduces absorption and extends the service life. For wooden or special materials, choose the appropriate type of protective coating according to the specific substrate. Also inspect any joints in the pavement. If they are damaged, they can start to leak onto the terrace, and the frost will then do incredible things with the leaked water. Mainly damage that will only show up in the spring. Also ensure proper drainage – clean downspouts and gutters if they run around the terrace or balcony so they don’t freeze and damage the facade. Is it a lot of work? Undoubtedly. But replacing it with a new one would be much more laborious and expensive. Because of the savings, it is worth checking whether your house is in good condition. And not only before winter.
Who will do this?
Maybe after reading the text you are tapping your forehead and thinking that you will have a hard time finding someone who will just check all this. For some actions you really need an expert, but when it comes to prevention and monitoring of changes, you can usually do it yourself. Just know where to look and be consistent with your schedule:
- If you look at the roof and attic, or the terrace, every autumn or even in the spring, you will notice changes. It’s about not just walking around the house with your eyes closed.
- Observe the change in color, cracking of the plaster, but especially the masonry. Look to see if, for example, the roof sheeting is peeling off, if there are any wet cakes left after the summer rains – both inside and outside.
- Call an expert the moment you really notice something, and then you can also target a specific profession depending on where you see the problem.
- When it comes to doors and windows, and you already have modern types made of any material, remember that you should have them serviced at least once every two years. Tighten, lubricate, adjust what is needed where. On that occasion, let us show you exactly how your windows are adjusted for summer and winter ventilation, so that you can do it yourself in the spring.
Ventilate. All year round.
What always has the greatest influence on the indoor climate and the durability of windows and at least the masonry around them is proper ventilation. Yes, even in winter. And yes, even when it’s freezing. But according to the rules. “It’s surprising how many people ventilate incorrectly, thereby reducing the efficiency of both insulation and window functionality. The correct way to ventilate is short and intensive,” adds Lukáš Kmenta from Huntsman Building Solutions. It is therefore ideal to air them out with a good draft, but it is enough for five to ten minutes. This will change the air in the entire interior, you will feel better in it and at the same time you will get rid of all the unwanted moisture. Don’t do it when there are heavy fogs or rains, but don’t just wait for the sun. And repeat the whole thing four times a day. If it seems too complicated and you don’t want to think about ventilation, consider getting a recuperator. That is, the controlled ventilation system. He thinks about all this for you without you having to open a single window. It removes moisture not only from the air, but also from walls and other structures. But it is a bigger investment, and even here you should plan until spring – ideally together with insulation.
You could find this article in the magazine Recipe No. 11/25.
