Be prepared for any weather
The British weather has been the butt of many a joke for as long as we can remember, but for good reason. Sitting beneath the jet stream and in the middle of two climate cells, the British weather is notoriously unpredictable and changeable.
Here are some tips and advice for coping with the weather and some products to keep you cool in the summer heat and protect your home from the cold and wet winter months. With Click & Collect your order will be ready to collect in store within 1 hour – whatever you need.
Hot weather
It might not always seem like it, but UK summers are getting hotter and drier. We have some tips and products to help you keep cool, keep your garden flourishing and enjoy the summer weather.
Dealing with the summer heat
- Place fans near open windows to circulate fresh air around your room.
- For even cooler air, place a bowl of ice in front of the fan.
- If it is hotter outside, keep blinds and windows closed during the day, as this will actually let hot air in.
- Keep your windows open at night whilst the temperature outside is cooler.
- Water your garden and plants in the morning or evening, never during the heat of the day.
- Save water by installing a water butt in your garden.
- Adding bark to your soil will increase moisture retention and reduce water consumption.
- Make sure your loft insulation is in good condition. Whilst it keeps heat in in the winter, it also keeps the warm air out.
Keeping your home cool
From fans to insulation, these products will keep your home cool and make you more comfortable during a summer heatwave.
Enjoying your garden
Get outdoors and enjoy your garden in the summer. Make sure to protect your lawn and plants from the hot, dry months.
Did you know?
The hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK was in the summer of 2019. A blistering 38.7°C was recorded in Cambridge on 25th July.
Did you know?
You can tell temperature by crickets. Count the number of cricket chrips within 25 seconds, divide this number by 3 and add 4. This should give you the temperature in Celsius.
Wet & windy
High winds and heavy rain can cause damage to your property. Our extreme weather products, tools and tips can help you prepare for whatever winter throws at you.
How to protect your home from heavy rain and strong winds
- Replace broken guttering and fascias, ensuring guttering is clear of leaves and other debris to prevent blockages.
- Secure any loose or broken fence panels and posts in your garden.
- Have your roof inspected to ensure all tiles are secure and the roof is in good condition.
- Keep trees and bushes cut back in your garden with a chainsaw or cutting tools to reduce the risk of falling branches.
- Tidy your garden, securing garden furniture and large toys in the shed if there are warnings of high winds.
- Keep your home cosy by sealing drafty windows and doors with sealant.
Water repair and protect
Prevention is better than cure! Maintain and protect your property from damp and water getting in. If the damage has already been done, we can help you repair it.
Wind repair and protect
Secure your home and garden ahead of storms and high winds to prevent further damage to your property.
Did you know?
The UK Met Office Name our Storms project started in 2015. Giving storms easily recognisable names provides an easy way for the media to communicate warnings and news. Since the project's inception up until April 2019, there have been 36 storms officially named.
Did you know?
Over 5 million homes in the UK are at risk of flooding. That's one in six homes across Britain and Northern Ireland. The average cost of yearly flood damage in the UK is £1.1 billion.
Snow & ice
Plunging temperatures can cause real problems inside and outside your home. Our cold weather tips can help you prepare for whatever winter throws at you.
Be prepared for snow, ice and cold weather
- It’s a good idea to have a supply of grit rock salt to hand, to help keep garden paths, steps and driveways safe and clear of ice.
- Bleed your radiators to make sure they are heating your home efficiently.
- Keep a scraper and de-icer to hand, to maintain your car windows in frosty seasons.
- If condensation is an issue in your home when you turn your heating on, check that your extractor fan is working, or invest in a dehumidifier.
- Cover your internal and external water pipes with foam insulation (known as lagging) to prevent them from freezing.
- Make sure your draught excluders and door seals are in good condition to prevent draughts.
- Make sure your loft insulation is in good condition and at least 270mm thick.
- Get your boiler serviced by a professional.
Keep your home warm
Insulation
Keep your home warm and energy efficient all year round with our insulation. If your radiators are situated on exterior walls, fit insulation foil behind the radiator to reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the wall.
Portable Heating
For rooms that don’t have radiators, or if you just want a quick heating boost, a portable heater can be highly effective. Our range of portable heating includes a freestanding oil filled radiator with castors and carry handle for easy movement.
Smart heating
Upgrade your home's heating with a smart thermostat system. Control your heating with your smart phone, and save money on your energy bills.
Coal and firewood logs
Keep your home warm and cosy by burning coal or firewood in your fireplace. Due to fire safety regulations only smokeless fuel can be sold online. Use our click and collect service for in-store only products.
Coping with snow and ice
Make sure you have prepared your home and have the tools to clear snow and ice when it arrives.
Did you know?
The coldest winter ever recorded in the UK was the winter of 1963. Coastal waters froze, the temperature consistently fell to -20°C and the UK was bombarded with huge snow storms and blizzards.
Did you know?
When it snows in the UK we are generally treated to wet snow rather than the dry snow of the Alps. Wet snow is formed when it falls through air of 0°C or higher. It may not be good for skiing, but is ideal for snowball fights and building snowmen!
