Preparing for winter II

Confuzzled

Toonie wrote: »

Thanks for the help with the measurements



The blinds are falling apart and as we are a second floor flat close to a valley the winds are terrible and we've had to tie the blind to the radiator to stop it blowing in, so ideally we want some heavy curtains. I am planning on getting some foam insulation for around the windows though, as they aren't great either.

i bought one of these type draught excluders this year http://www.jmldirect.com/Duo-Draught-Shield-PD1515/ and i noticed that it suggests using them with sash windows. don't know if that's they type you have but it might be an idea for at least one window as you should always have at least one window in the house that will open easily in case of a fire or ventiation in case of smoke in the house from burning something etc.

i had one rented flat where i swear the foam we put in the windows was the only thing keeping them in place :eek: the foam insulation is cheap and effective, i've used it in several places in the past but i warn you it's a pain to remove in the spring. you may want to see if they have any rubber sealant that can just be pulled out by hand in spring but you'd need to speak with someone at b&q or suchlike for more help on that as i don't know anything about using those i just know they are easier to remove.

we have warped wooden windows in this rented flat so as it starts to cool down i play with them every few days trying to get them closed as well as possible, once i'm happy that's it they don't get opened again and will warp and swell into that spot. any gaps still remaining get filled with rolled up brown paper packaging i get with stuff ordered online. i roll it up then fold it lengthwise and use a butter knife or a palette knife to wedge it into the gaps. this gets changed periodically as it gets damp but it works a treat, leaves no marks and is easy to remove!

sandraroffey

i have badly fitting/warped windows also. i have a flat in a house that is of historical importance. Not listed i have to add but the landlord is a pain and just doesnt get things sorted. i live opposite the sea and the wind that comes in through the winter is quite alarming!!! so once the windows are closed shut, all the small gaps are filled with loo roll and stuffed in with a flat knife. loo roll is soft and shoves into any tiny gap. replace it every so often and it works a treat.

the door/windows are in a huge bay, opening onto the balcony, and the curtains go across the bay. this year i am getting another set of heavy curtains, from the charity shop, to go around the bay. i am sure it will save me loads of money.

Becky_2

Don't know if anyone else on this thread does this? We are using our shredded paper to make paper logs with, apparantely they burn up to an hour when mixed with wooden logs. This is the first time that we are having a wood burner at home so we thought we should give this a go.

7 x paper logs are now drying in the garden in preparation for the winter. Another load of shredded paper is being soaked and will be turned into logs in a few days time.

Apart from that I am washing another 2 winter jackets today.

Good luck with all your preparations for the winter and thanks for your inspiration.

Toonie

Unfortunately our windows are rather rubbish double glazed. They let in so many draughts it's unbelievable as they don't shut properly. I've bought some of the foam stuff from Wilkinson's to do the front door as that whistles during bad weather, as does the chimney. Again, we never use the slightly dodgy electric fire in it, but we get a terrible draught.

My Dad is retiring and moving in a couple of months, but before he leaves the area I've asked him to come and put up curtain poles (my little cordless drill can't do concrete walls). I also want to put up a door curtain over the balcony door (again poorly fitting). It's a long list, especially when finances are tight.

annie123

Toonie wrote: »

Unfortunately our windows are rather rubbish double glazed. They let in so many draughts it's unbelievable as they don't shut properly.

Better some DG than none like me

If they don't close properly try adjusting them via the hinges, just like kitchen doors.
My mum's jumped up when closed and left a 1/2" gap between window and frame, adjusted the screws on the hinges and now they close properly.


http://www.askabuilder.co.uk/how-to/adjust-double-glazed-doors.html

hth

Gettingtherequickly

I polished all my boots & shoes the other evening and realised that I need to make a trip to the cobblers. May be worth everyones while having a look and having it done now rather than the day you need to wear them.

Does anyone know of an easy way of breaking in a pair of DM's, I have a pair which I have worn a few times but cannot get them broken in, most annoying as I know that once it happens I will have a lovely comfy, long lasting pair?

pinkmami

I've always though flanalette sheets were for granny's bed....& Dh always says "we need a sheet under the duvet"....but I think he's right....so from October onwards I'm gonna have a granny bed:rotfl: along with my duvet & soft fleece throw.

Tealights - must put those down in my "winter book" too!

so where can I get these flanalette sheets? Are they modern!?!?!:rotfl:

herbily

pinkmami wrote: »

so where can I get these flanalette sheets? Are they modern!?!?!:rotfl:

Maybe if you call them "brushed cotton" sheets, they become modern?!

I bought mine on Amazon last year, but my sister got some good ones from Dunelm, if you've got one near you.

pinkmami

LOL brushed cotton sounds more modern doesn't it!?!?!

I've checked Amazon & Ebay & boy aren't they expensive!!! I also have a Dunelm near by so I'll pop over in the next few weeks.

Thank you.

Confuzzled

Gettingtherequickly wrote: »

I polished all my boots & shoes the other evening and realised that I need to make a trip to the cobblers. May be worth everyones while having a look and having it done now rather than the day you need to wear them.

Does anyone know of an easy way of breaking in a pair of DM's, I have a pair which I have worn a few times but cannot get them broken in, most annoying as I know that once it happens I will have a lovely comfy, long lasting pair?

my ex used to wear docs all the time he said the way he found that worked best to stretch them out was to stand in them in water for around 15 min or so til they are soaked through (i suppose you could sit on the edge of the bath if you can't stand for that long) then let them dry on your feet. yes this does mean wearing heavy wet boots for hours but apparently they will mould nicely to your feet this way... i never tried it but he used to swear by it for docs and combats