People really begin to check the state of their property maintenance when winter comes around. The cold weather and dark days take their toll on even the most traditional home.
Those looking for a quick and easy way to solve some common winter problems can contact professional property maintenance companies like Safe House Services, which has been offering reliable property maintenance services in London and the south of the United Kingdom to both homeowners, tenants, Landlords, and Property management companies.
In this article we list the most common property maintenance problems that we see during winter times in London and the UK, each problem is accompanied by advice on how to identify if you have a problem,
Property maintenance problems during winter
As the temperature drops, frost gradually penetrates deeper and deeper into your home’s brickwork and other areas.
This is because cold air cannot hold much moisture so the water vapor starts condensing on objects outside which are at a lower temperature than the surrounding air – like your walls! The amount of frost damage that occurs depends on how low the ambient temperature dropped to as well as how long it stayed around this level.
Frost damage to plumbing pipes pipes
This is one of the main causes of burst pipes in the winter in the UK, in many cases, this can be avoided with frost protection measures. Frost damage is when water freezes in your home’s pipework and expands until it physically breaks out of the weak point it was formed which causes a leak or burst pipe.
Condensation Problems
Moisture condensing on cold surfaces is one of the main causes of internal dampness, mold growth, and decay to wooden flooring, walls, and soft furnishings. High levels of moisture are created when warm air comes into contact with colder surfaces so keeping temperatures at bay is essential during winter times!
Mould growth problems in a property
Another common problem that many homeowners face during the winter months is mold growth. You may also notice that you have black or white patches appearing on surfaces like wallpaper, carpeting, and even plaster ceilings.
Mold spores can be found almost everywhere and they just need moisture to grow. If you have a problem with mold growth, the first step is to identify why there has been an increase in moisture levels- often this will be due to a blocked gutter or faulty heating system.
Maintenance problems that make homeowners and tenants feel uneasy and frustrated
A study that asked UK residents to discuss different problems in their homes found that strange sounds such as tapping and knocking, cold spots, and rooms with an ‘unstable aura’ were the most common reasons for Brits feeling uneasy at home. The UK’s residents who are spooked out were also concerned by the unpredictability of electrics and strange smells.
Although basements and attics might seem like the best places to find unsettling vibes, most people are more concerned about the UK’s bathroom. People complain of strange noises and chills.
The most troublesome household problems in the UK are found in spare bedrooms, main bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms.
Things that go knock and bump at night.
Research revealed that residents had different problems in different areas of their homes. The most susceptible areas to emit a strange aura were lofts, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Kitchens are most often associated with unpredicted electrics and bedrooms with tapping and knocking sounds.
Things may not be as dire as it seems for UK’s unsettling tenants and homeowners. Some problems can be solved by homeowners with a little knowledge, but most would require skilled tradespeople.
Changing of the seasons can highlight maintenance issues
It’s that time of the year when our houses start to cause us problems. People are using electric heating and lighting more, and after many months, they are beginning to use central heating again. This means that there is more demand for appliances and systems in the home.
“Plus, the nights draw in and it’s getting colder. This can indicate problems in the home, particularly as more people use their heating more often. Add to that the strange sounds of tapping, creaking, knocking, and creaking, as well as cold spots and strange smells and it’s easy for people to complain of feeling uneasy.
“However, many of the things that make a home feel like this are easily explained and can be fixed if needed. High water pressure is the most common reason for banging and knocking on pipes, particularly after taps are shut off. This could also be caused by magnetite, a dark sludge in the central heating system. This can be easily fixed by a professional plumbing service by power flushing your central heating system.
There are many reasons why rooms or parts of rooms seem cold. This can be caused by poor insulation, bleeding radiators, and draughts.
Expert opinion
Central heating pipes tapping and knocking
Most likely to cause high water pressure
Knocking or tapping pipes can occur anywhere in the house. It’s more noticeable in bedrooms because people are more alert to sounds while they sleep. Other noise sources, such as TV and traffic, aren’t drowning out the sound. Pay close attention to the tapping and knocking sounds. It could be related to high water pressure if the knocking and tapping occur while water is running or after the taps are turned off.
The water pressure can cause pipes to move, knocking against each other or their fixings, and this can lead to them moving too fast. When faced with pipe problems, consult a plumber who specialises in heating and hot water.
Creaking sounds in the home
The most likely reason – timber joints retraction in cold weather
As the UK’s temperature drops, the timber in our homes begins to shrink. This is normal. These sounds are most common at night when the general hum of your home is quietening down.
Unpredictable electrics
Most likely to cause – poor wiring, or loose connections
Nick says that kitchens can be affected by electrical problems. This is because many appliances use electricity such as microwaves, ovens/grills, hobs/grills, and kettles. A circuit can trip if they are all connected at once. My advice is to contact a qualified electrician. It’s best to call a professional if your plugs or light switches behave in a way that they shouldn’t. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a major problem. However, I recommend only qualified tradespeople be working with electrics.
Drafts and Cold spots
The most likely reason is poor insulation, draughts, or radiators that require bleeding
A seasoned plumber said that he frequently deals with strange noises, cold spots, and other issues.
If the problem is affecting an entire room, make sure the radiators work properly.” For comparison, feel the top and bottom. The radiator may need to be drained if the top is colder than the bottom. This is a simple job that you can do by yourself. A radiator key can be purchased at most DIY stores for around PS1. Many videos on the internet will show you how to do it. It should not be difficult if you follow the steps and have something to catch any drips. It is not necessary to call a plumber.
Draughts can cause cold spots. Draught excluders can be fitted around doors and windows to reduce draughts. Also, draughts can rise through cracks in floorboards that should be sealed. Double glazing and inefficient single glazing will cause rooms to feel cold. Bathrooms are more susceptible to cold than others because when people get out of a hot shower or bath, they feel more conscious of the draughts. This could be due to inadequate ventilation. Ventilation ducts can have draught excluders fitted. Do not try to stop airflow or block ventilation.
Unexplained smells
Most likely to cause – dampness, drainage problems, furniture and fabrics, pests, or leaks.
Most smells in a property can be easily explained.”
It can be distressing to notice a strange or new smell in your home it can be coming from a threw property maintenance issues. Here are some of the most common ones we see.
Electrical wiring problems
It could be the electrics that are causing the fishy smell. When exposed to high heat, electrical shielding can emit a strange ‘fishy’ smell. People are often curious about why their electrics have a fishy smell. Our electricians come across this regularly.
Drainage problems
Drainage problems can also cause unpleasant odors. Blockage of soil pipes and sinks can cause strong, unpleasant odors.
Strange smells are often the result of problems with pipes or drains. If you have a particularly smelly room or part of a room, this could be coming from under floorboards due to blocked waste traps underneath sinks and basins.”
Strange smells can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many possible causes. Poor ventilation and damp conditions could cause a persistent musty smell. It’s more common in rooms that get less use, receive less natural light, and are exposed to less fresh air. It could also be an indication of pests such as mice or rotting if the smell is stronger. A blocked drain can also cause unpleasant and strong odors.
Pest Problems
It could indicate vermin if you detect a whiff of ammonia. If you notice a smell that resembles rotting cabbage, it could be a sign of vermin. A professional pest controller should be called if you suspect that mice have entered your home in search of warmer temperatures. They will assess the situation and recommend the best treatment. Once the treatment is complete, they will provide proofing measures to prevent pests from returning.
If you are experiencing any of the above property maintenance issues and would like some advice or for us to investigate the problem please contact us.