Wet Weather - External Preparation

A little rain doesn't need to cause worry, it's a valuable resource to keep your garden in bloom. A lot of rain, however, can cause a lot of worry. Extreme weather conditions can cause serious damage to your home and in turn create unexpected costs and hassle. We're here to help with simple steps that can be taken to avoid problems like these.

Protecting the outside of your home from the elements is the first step in preparing for bad weather. Consider the condition of your roof and gutters to evaluate whether any repairs need to be made, and store away garden furniture and tools.

1. Secure your roof

   Don't wait until water is unexpectedly pouring into your home by way of a leaky roof. Start protecting your home by using some simple observation skills.

   Make sure your roof is in good condition - walk around your home's exterior, inspecting the roof from the ground for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Take notes of any possible problem areas or areas in need of closer inspection. Check particularly for loose or missing tiles and for any cracks in the chimney. Missing roof tiles means your roof is directly exposed to adverse weather conditions.

   Hire a professional roofing contractor to patch up any gaps you might find.

   Guttering

   Gutters are an essential part of your roofing system. The purpose of the gutter is to collect and funnel away any water that lands on the roof, taking water away from the building's foundations, protecting your exterior surfaces and stopping water from entering the home.

   If water penetrates your home, woodwork can perish, mould will begin to grow, condensation forms and brickwork will erode. Damp patches quickly spread and health problems can become an issue.

   Check the guttering outside your home isn't broken or leaking and clear out any leaves or other debris. This will reduce the risk of blockages during heavy rain, which can cause your guttering to overflow and create all sorts of problems for your home.

   To reduce the risk of blockages there are preventative steps you can take. Tight-fitting wire mesh or plastic caps are available to fit most types of downpipe. They allow water through but trap leaves and dirt.

   Safety first

   Do not use ladders during adverse weather conditions and when you are using a ladder always secure it or have someone holding the ladder at the bottom.

   Top tip

   You might want to consider cutting back any over-hanging trees as the autumn fall of leaves will most likely cause blockages and guttering problems every year.

   If your guttering is broken, or new guttering needs to be installed, we can help with our handy guide to installing guttering.

   Sheds & storage

   Garden equipment and power tools can be seriously damaged by wet weather. To keep your furniture looking its very best for longer, store it in dry conditions and ensure that all pieces are fully dry before putting away.

   If you've already invested in a shed but are concerned about weatherproofing, it's worth checking the condition of felting on the roof. If it looks tired or damaged, consider replacing the felt to help keep garden equipment, tools and other appliances dry.

   We can help you get started with our video guide to felting a shed roof.

   Garden furniture & barbecues

   Garden furniture is often subject to sharp showers and heavy downfalls, which can cause damage over time. Look to apply a waterproofing treatment to wooden garden furniture - which will keep the beautiful look of your wood while also giving it the protection it needs. It will protect your furniture from the liquids outside, in order to avoid splitting, rotting, and warping.

   Barbecue covers

   If your barbecue often sits outside on the patio, rather than tucked away in the shed, consider a waterproof cover. For the best protection, safely store your barbecue, once cool, in a shed or garage to prevent rust occurring.

Fire Safety in the Home

Teach your household these steps to fire safety

• Teach your family all the dangers of fire, and practice your fire escape plan thoroughly
• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home. Keep them free from dust, test the alarm regularly and replace batteries once a year
• Be prepared: install an household fire extinguisher in a prominent position, and a fire blanket close to (but not above) the hob
• Unless a fire is very small and can be put out with a domestic fire extinguisher, do not tackle it yourself. Get out, stay out and call 999
• Never leave a hot pan with oil in it unattended. If a pan fire starts, contain it by turning off the heat source then covering the pan with a damp tea towel or fire blanket if you have one. Leave it covered for at least 30 minutes while the heat subsides
• Don't overload electrical sockets. Remember one plug for one socket
• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of sight and reach of children
• Never leave lit candles unattended or where children are alone. Ensure candles are in secure holders on a surface that does not burn and are away from any flammable materials
• Don't plug electric blankets into extension leads or multiway sockets, as this can increase the risk of these being switched on accidentally
• Never dry clothes or materials near a fire
• In the event of a fire, make yourself heard and get everyone out. Try to shut all doors behind you if possible to contain the fire and call the fire brigade

How to prevent common fires in the kitchen

• Do not leave cooking unattended - take pans off the heat
• Switch off the oven or hob when you have finished cooking
• Spark devices are safer than matches or lighters to light gas cookers
• Keep electrical leads, tea towels and cloths away from oven or hob
• Never leave children alone in the kitchen
• Take care when wearing loose clothing if cooking - it can easily catch fire

If your clothes catch fire - Stop, drop and roll

• Don't run
• Lie down and roll around
• Smother flames using a heavy material like a coat or blanket
• Call 999, or ask someone else to, if needed

Easy Summer Plants to get your Summer started

As Summer is officially on the way, we have listed 6 easy plants to get you started this summer. If you want fancy foliage with instant appeal, we can help you see the wood for the trees, helping with handy solutions and quick and easy wins. So even with limited time, you’ll have a garden blooming with beautiful flowers.

For year-round colour and impact, choose evergreen shrubs and conifers, they are ideal for providing the structural backbone of a great garden. Look out for wonderful plants like Photinia Red Robin, Euonymus, Californian Lilac, Hebe Margaret and Golden Choisya Sundance (also known as Mexican Orange Blossom). Look out for multi-coloured or patterned leaves that add more interest than standard green ones.

1) Hebes

Evergreen bushes in diverse shapes, sizes and foliage colours. Beautiful pink, purple and white flowers bloom in mid to late summer and loved by bees and butterflies.

2) Magnolia

Magnolias are the star shrub of spring, bearing gorgeous large blooms before the foliage emerges.

3) Mexican Orange Blossom – Choisya

An evergreen shrub, ideal for hedging or in a border. It bears beautiful, fragrant white flowers from late spring.

4) Euphorbia

Euphorbias are fantastic space fillers, adding structure and interest, they require little maintenance.

5) Californian Lilac – Ceanothus

Californian Lilacs produce an abundance of blue flowers and are perfect in a sunny spot.

6) Photinia Red Robin

Red Robin is a useful evergreen shrub with beautiful bright red shoots. Ideal as hedging or in a large border.

(Source: B&Q)