4 DIY jobs to get your home ready for Autumn

If you’re a homeowner or trade professional, Autumn is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder months. While summer is behind us, there’s still plenty you can do to keep your property warm, safe, and energy-efficient all winter long. From draught proofing windows and doors to insulating a loft and servicing your boiler, tackling these jobs now can prevent problems later, save on heating bills, and reduce stress when the cold sets in.

At Smiths Hire, we’ve got the tool hire services you need to complete these tasks safely and efficiently, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a trade professional. To help you get started, we’ve put together some practical tips for Winter-proofing your home this Autumn. Let’s take a look!

Draught-proof windows and doors

Nothing takes the shine off a cosy Autumn evening quicker than a sneaky cold draught slipping under the door or whistling through the windows. Draught-proofing is one of those little jobs that makes a big difference, and it doesn’t take much time or money to sort out. A few simple strips can help keep the warm air in, the cold air out, and even make your heating work more efficiently.

Start by giving your windows and doors a quick once-over; even the tiniest gap can make a room feel chillier than it should. Older homes are especially guilty of this, with all their lovely character often hiding a few cracks or worn seals. Fixing it is easier than you might think. A brush seal or door sweep will do the trick for doors, while sticky foam strips are perfect for windows. And as a bonus, you’ll cut down on outside noise, too.

Check your heating system

When the temperatures start to drop, the last thing you want is your boiler or radiators deciding to take a break. So, a once-over now can save a lot of stress later. A good starting point is to bleed your radiators to remove any trapped air – it only takes a few minutes and can make a noticeable difference in how quickly your rooms heat up. You also want to make sure your boiler pressure is at the right level and top it up if it’s low. If it’s been a while since your last service, booking one now is worth it. A well-maintained heating system keeps you cosy and runs more efficiently, which could even save you a bit on your energy bills over the winter.

Clear gutters and drains

Falling leaves are part of Autumn’s charm, but they’re a lot less charming when they’re clogging up your gutters. Blocked gutters can lead to leaks, damp patches, and even structural damage if water can’t flow away properly. It’s worth taking the time to clear them out thoroughly, because they do build up even over the warmer months.  

To do this properly, you’ll likely need a sturdy ladder. Make sure it’s on level ground and that someone can spot you, if possible. Always avoid leaning too far to either side; instead, move the ladder along the gutter rather than stretching. Once you’re safely positioned, clear out leaves, moss, and any other debris that’s built up, and give your drains a quick check to make sure water can flow freely. For a longer-term fix, leaf guards can help reduce the amount of maintenance you’ll need to do in future. It might not be the most exciting job, but taking care of it now means you’ll avoid much bigger problems and headaches when the winter rains arrive. If you want more detailed tips and step-by-step advice, we’ve got a full guide on cleaning your gutters!

Protect outdoor taps and pipes

Frozen pipes are a nightmare you definitely don’t want to deal with in the middle of a cold snap. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can expand, which can cause them to crack or even burst, and that can lead to serious damage inside your home, from flooded kitchens to ruined floors or damaged walls. To avoid this, wrap any exposed outdoor taps with foam insulation as soon as the cold sets in, and make sure to drain garden hoses before storing them away in a shed or garage.

Even the smaller pipes around the garden or along walls can benefit from foam sleeves or pipe tape, which are cheap and easy to pick up at most DIY shops for just a couple of pounds!

For over 55 years, at Smiths Hire, we have been providing top-quality equipment and tool hire services to DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals across the country. With 18 tool hire depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including in major cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, we’re never too far away! If you have any questions about any of the jobs we’ve discussed or need expert advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at 0333 323 2100. We’re always happy to help wherever we can!