What does your home provide in winter?

Being at 53 degrees latitude, we have long, long summer days. But correspondingly short winter ones. That, combined with cold, wet weather, means we spend a lot of time indoors. Our inside environment has more impact on us at this time of year than when the weather allows us to be outside more. It’s important that it gives a feeling of wellbeing.

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The Irish climate

Each region has its on peculiarities. We don’t have tornadoes, which can take whole buildings up into the air. We don’t need to build to resist earthquake damage, which these stone & timber buildings in Pakistan are designed to do.

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We don’t have termites or other insects that damage our homes on a large scale. What we do contend with is wind and moisture - lots of it. And in combination, it sets up challenges. For instance, windows in Europe open inwards, but in Ireland in the past, they opened outwards, as a better way to keep out driving rain. That has changed, as seals on windows have improved over time.

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Jobs that need to be done

Preventing water ingress becomes more important at this time of year. Check seals around windows and doors. Note if any water is spotted inside, or mould growth on window frames. Look at your roof to see if tiles or slates are loose, and around chimneys to see that nothing has moved. Gutters are important to keep clean, especially after autumn when they fill up with leaves. If blocked, water can overflow to places it was not designed to go. If your house is low-lying, keep an eye on sources of potential flooding. Sometimes, this is managed on a large scale, such as flood control measures installed by a local authority.

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Taking care of yourself

Whilst the building needs maintenance, winter is challenging for most people too. We stay out of bad weather, spend more time indoors, move less, get less daylight and fresh air. It feels good to snuggle down in winter, curl up and watch TV with your favourite snack. Enjoy doing so, but make an effort to get out for a walk daily. Exercise and light improve our mood. Interestingly, bad weather always looks worse from inside than when you’re out in it. And there is something lovely about coming back in from bad weather and having a hot bath.

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Takeaway

Over the next few months, you’ll be indoors more than at any other time of the year. Do what preparation you can for your home and your body, and enjoy the change that winter brings.

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