Preparing for winter II

rosieben

its a sad reflection on our summer that we're doing our winter planning in June

I have a question - has anyone here actually worn yaktrax or similar through the winter? I've recommended my bil get some, but then read a review that they're no use on tarmac or black ice which has made me wonder how useful they really are. He's nearly 90 and I don't want him to be overconfident and come a cropper!

I'd appreciate any feedback or advice on alternatives

Thanks

mcjordi

rosieben wrote: »

its a sad reflection on our summer that we're doing our winter planning in June

What summer :eek::rotfl:

oldtractor

Two questions, does anyone know where to get winter PJ's and nighties from really cheaply,eg a firm having a 70% off sale or something like that. Secondly,does the cling film thingy stuff at the window really work well or is it a gimiky waste of money? we had black mould last winter on our 2 windows which arnt double glazed,lots of ice on the inside glass.

helen_jelly

I'm going to take advantage of the Ocado offer in Martins email and stock up with non perishable goods [loo roll etc] to keep us throught the winter - £20 off £40 spend

Oldtractor - I'd love to know too about cheap PJ's

Helen

Athome1

rosieben wrote: »

its a sad reflection on our summer that we're doing our winter planning in June

I have a question - has anyone here actually worn yaktrax or similar through the winter? I've recommended my bil get some, but then read a review that they're no use on tarmac or black ice which has made me wonder how useful they really are. He's nearly 90 and I don't want him to be overconfident and come a cropper!

I'd appreciate any feedback or advice on alternatives

Thanks

I bought myself some last winter and they are great in snow, ice and black ice but I took them off (very easy they just slip on & off) when I went indoors (ie supermarkets, shopping malls, covered city centres etc) just in case they would slip on marble type flooring. I got my 90yr old mum some and she wore them happily enough:)

rosieben

Thanks Athome, that's great, just what I was hoping to hear!

Chillout5892

rosieben wrote: »

its a sad reflection on our summer that we're doing our winter planning in June

I have a question - has anyone here actually worn yaktrax or similar through the winter? I've recommended my bil get some, but then read a review that they're no use on tarmac or black ice which has made me wonder how useful they really are. He's nearly 90 and I don't want him to be overconfident and come a cropper!

I'd appreciate any feedback or advice on alternatives

Thanks

I bought these snow grabbers last year and they are brilliant. I'm 58 with rheumatoid arthritis in knees and ankles and I can be quite doddery. In snow I had very little confidence at all, until I got these.
They don't have the springs the yaktracks do, (not sure how the springs work actually) these have 5 spikes under the sole. Some have 2 sets sole and heel.

I was a bit worried than when I walked into a shopping mall, I would skid, or the spikes would buckle under my weight, but as they are only under the sole of my boot, you can walk quite effectively with most of your weight on you heels when indoor and ground down into snow and ice when out. They give a very satisfying crunch in the ice. Best winter £7.50 ever.

I've ordered 2 more pairs for myself, as a spare in the house and keep a pair in the car. I'd get them for him, he'll thank you.

Chillout5892

oldtractor wrote: »

Two questions, does anyone know where to get winter PJ's and nighties from really cheaply,eg a firm having a 70% off sale or something like that. Secondly,does the cling film thingy stuff at the window really work well or is it a gimiky waste of money? we had black mould last winter on our 2 windows which arnt double glazed,lots of ice on the inside glass.

I bought double glazing film form wilko last winter. Put draft proofing round all doors & sash windows and covered them with this film. Also lined curtains, added lined door curtain and radiator panels and so far cut last years fuel bills by about £200 and still rising!!!

I can't say which was the most effective but all together they worked brilliantly. The only thing I'd say is the adhesive tape you get in the pack isn't up to much. in the end I bought some extra strong double sided tape on eb, and all the film is still in place. Just occasionally need a bit of re-heating to keep it taunt. You need to be inventive to be able to use it on upper sash windows, and best not to trim it to the edges of the windows but leave an overlap to go over the frames to help stop additional drafts. You will need additional handles to open or close the windows. Until I ever move into a place with double glazing, this film (and the rest) will be permanent additions. Cost £12 to do the flat's windows, the additional tape, maybe a fiver.

I'd say, go for it.

rosieben

Chillout5892 wrote: »

I bought these snow grabbers last year and they are brilliant. ...

Thanks Chillout, my sis is buying them so I'll print off the info and pass it to her :beer:

[Deleted User]

Chillout5892 wrote: »

I bought double glazing film form wilko last winter. Put draft proofing round all doors & sash windows and covered them with this film. Also lined curtains, added lined door curtain and radiator panels and so far cut last years fuel bills by about £200 and still rising!!!

I can't say which was the most effective but all together they worked brilliantly. The only thing I'd say is the adhesive tape you get in the pack isn't up to much. in the end I bought some extra strong double sided tape on eb, and all the film is still in place. Just occasionally need a bit of re-heating to keep it taunt. You need to be inventive to be able to use it on upper sash windows, and best not to trim it to the edges of the windows but leave an overlap to go over the frames to help stop additional drafts. You will need additional handles to open or close the windows. Until I ever move into a place with double glazing, this film (and the rest) will be permanent additions. Cost £12 to do the flat's windows, the additional tape, maybe a fiver.

I'd say, go for it.

All these posts have inspired me to action:j We have an unused light blue fleece (baby play mat) that we found. It fits the front window beautifully and even has a hem through which we can thread some bamboo or other rod and put up in the cold weather. It should be invisible between the curtains and the window, and yet provide some great insulation!