Expert warns families to check their gutters as weather gets colder

It's safe to say that winter is well and truly on its way, and as the colder months approach, we have to start thinking about preparing our homes for the country's colder climes.

When we say preparing your homes for winter, we don't mean stocking up on pumpkin spice latte mixes and Heroes sharing boxes, we mean the actual house itself.

Britain is known for its cold weather, and snow and ice can wreak havoc on people's daily lives.

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From turning public paths into an ice rink to leaving us defrosting our cars for hours on end, it can be a real pain in the bum.

But before you rush to Home Bargains to get several bottles of de-icer, you should also be thinking about taking care of your gutters.

If you let your gutters become overfilled with leaves and other bits of autumnal sludge, this can go on to potentially create something known as ice dams.

While these dams may make Christmas card-worthy icicles on the side of your house, you'll know about it if one falls on top of you or your car.

According to experts Muth Roofing, blocked gutters don't actually cause ice dams, but they definitely contribute towards the problem.

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Part of their website explains: "While clogged gutters do not actually cause ice dams, they can definitely worsen the problem. When your roof heats up and snow begins to melt, the resulting water flowing down your roof needs a place to go.

"If the water is unable to drain away due to gutters that are blocked by leaves and debris, ice will build up, gutters will overflow and you are well on your way to an ice dam. There is also potential for damage to your gutters from the heavy ice load."

But how do you prevent this happening, I hear you ask?

Muth Roofing says you should make sure your gutters are cleared out before winter.

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Other ways you can prep you home for the winter months include trimming your trees to ensure snow and ice doesn't weigh down the branches, purchasing draft blockers to keep your property warm, checking your vents for obstacles blocking warm air from circulating inside your home, and wrapping your water pipes to stop them freezing over.

GEICO Living also suggests you check for any loose exterior fittings such as shutters in case of any strong winter winds, and to purchase plastic insulation kits for any drafty window frames.

Wrap up warm, winter is coming...