Preparing for winter II

abwsco

goodgodthatonesevenbigger wrote: »

With all this talk of preping for winter, its made me think, is it just me or do the nights seam to be drawing in earlier than they used to when i was a lad lol, i have memories of sleeping out in the back yard (in a tent) right up to the second/third week of September when i had to be dragged kicking and screaming back to my bedroom. Im sure that i used to sit out in the garden before hitting the sack at about ten ish and it was still quite light.

I think you're right and I know that when we first got chickens in 2008 it was 10.30 some nights in the summer when they went to bed. Since that summer the latest the chickens have been out is around 9.30. Was only commenting on this to a chicken keeping friend the other week.

MrsRogers

Afternoon all

Another wet / windy and autumnal day here in Cheshire.

I like most of you are totally convinced we are going to have a very bad winter this year.

All our preparations will be very worth while. I am trying to convince friends and family to do the same although Im met with a bit of a smirk with the exception of my mum that truly has a pantry to die for... Nigella eat your heart out!

Just in case anyone needs any more convincing here is the long range forecast from Exacta Weather I have been following their forecasting for a couple of years and they are right on the money EVERY TIME.

Here is what he predicted in January about out summer...

Original Forecast
I originally issued my UK summer forecast on the 30th January this year, well in advance of any other forecaster worldwide.
It read “Summer 2011”
“It would be adequate to suggest below average temperatures in terms of how I calculate solar activity in my forecasts, so it looks like a summer of grey skies and damp weather, and it's probably safe to say that there will be no BBQ summer again this year”.
I also issued a warning for torrential downpours and severe flooding.

Actual Summer

July 2011
July also turned out to be relatively wet and unsettled across many parts of the UK. Certain parts of England and Scotland received 200% of their normal rainfall amounts, with rainfall amounts elsewhere more near average overall.
July was also the coldest in the UK for over 10 years, with minimum temperature resulting in the coldest July across the UK in over 30 years. The minimum Central England Temperature (CET) data had a significant anomaly of -1.1C. Although it has felt more pleasant at times with less rainless days during July in certain regions, the mean Central England Temperature (CET) data for July was -0.8C below average. Other long range forecasters failed to consider the intensity of the rainfall when it occurred or the minimum temperature, just as they will underestimate the intensity of snowfall and below average temperatures this winter.

More details here is the web page.. http://www.exactaweather.com/UK_Long_Range_Forecast.html

SuziQ

Suzi you might want to have a look at Thompsons Water Shield it goes on like paint but it is a clear layer of protection which stops water penetrating into your brickwork and walls. It's not cheap, but having said that it is cheaper than having to keep on redecorating thats for sure.

I have put the Homebase link in because it will give you users views on the product!

http://reviews.homebase.co.uk/1494-e...50/reviews.htm

Rainy-days-Thanks for this. However,I had a surveyor friend from my Church check this problem, and he said the damp proofing on the bungalow is fine, it is definitely condensation on the inside, where the wall is always very cold and then the warm air forms moisture on it,ie condensation.


Red doe- could you move into one room for the winter and concentrate in just keeping that warm? I don't know how you cope-you are obviously made of stronger stuff than me ( we never get it very bad down here in Essex!)

Fruball

Another idea for RedDoe (and anybody else struggling to heat their home) - could you get a de-humidifier to put in your main room - damp air feels much colder than dry air so it would help, and I am guessing its cheaper to run one than a heater? xx

dawn_rose

Theres definately an autuminal nip in the air and nowhere near ready for winter yet. still having building work done so bit behind at moment.

mcjordi

Red-Doe- ah man that sounds awful..

kidcat

SuziQ wrote: »

Rainy-days-Thanks for this. However,I had a surveyor friend from my Church check this problem, and he said the damp proofing on the bungalow is fine, it is definitely condensation on the inside, where the wall is always very cold and then the warm air forms moisture on it,ie condensation.


Red doe- could you move into one room for the winter and concentrate in just keeping that warm? I don't know how you cope-you are obviously made of stronger stuff than me ( we never get it very bad down here in Essex!)

We had a similar problem a few houses back, we found the only way was to keep the room well ventilated and keep furniture away from the walls, we added in those dehumidifier tubs as well.

ETA- Red Doe that sounds like hell, is there any way you could move out over the winter months?

OberonSH

This is an awesome thread! Our house was a complete icebox last year, thanks to inadequate windows, a door with a huge gap round it and a landlord who wouldn't do the work! This year at least the back door has been replaced by one the caterpillars can't pop through the gaps! Seriously - the kitchen worktops were colder than the inside of the fridge most nights, according to the thermometer!

The year I want to make sure the hugely expensive gas fire doesn't get switched on, and the radiators are used as little as possible, so the tips are going to come in so useful! Tonight I'm packing away the summer clothes to reveal the (no doubt) glaring holes in the winter clothing lists. And I've started knitting the winter hats scarves & gloves for the family. Definatey a nip in the air today in Grimsby, even though the sun was trying to shine!

Rainy-Days

I wanted all to let you know as well that you can stock up on things such as muffins and crumpets. These are wonderful on a cold morning or evening and you can do these by the fire using your toasting forks if you have them - saving electric on the toaster. Car boots are brill places to find toasting forks.

Anyway, crumpets and muffins don't take up much space in the freezer like bread does. So it might be worth you considering this. I have bought the Basic's crumpets from Sainsburys and they have been fine. Keep your bread for sandwiches and using in bowls of soup and that will reduce your consumption and you stock when the weather does turn bad.

Some of you might not want to go for this, but I had to pop to the freezer and saw them in there and thought it might be something some of you wouldn't have immediately considered as a store/standby especially if you like your toasty stuff. You can also do the exact same with hot cvross buns and tea cakes if you prefer to have the sweeter taste and it means you just take out and thaw what you are going to use so it is very cost effective.

smileyt_2

Red Doe, could you get a couple of candle lanterns in the bathroom, and keep them lit? It might raise the temperature just a little.