Winter maintenance checklist

Autumn will be a great time of year to get stuck into preparations to get your home into a healthy state before the harsher winter months. We’ve compiled a list of maintenance checks so you don’t get caught out next winter:

Mould & mildew:

When it comes to mould and mildew, prevention is better than cure. Check around your home for sign of moisture, leaks, condensation, or lack of airflow. Something as simple as opening a widow to allow airflow can help to prevent these things. To really eliminate the problem, consider investing in ventilation systems, double glazing, an insulation to keep mould and mildew under control.

If you find an area of mould larger than an A4 size contact a specialist and have it tested and investigated as this is the threshold for when mould can start to negatively affect your health.

Clear spouting:

Cleaning out your spouting will help to prevent water damage to your roof and other parts of your home. The purpose of spouting is to guide storm water away from the property and prevent overflows into areas such as the roof, soffits and cladding, so it is very important spouting, including downpipes, remain clear of vegetation and debris. Also check the spouting clips while undertaken cleaning – if clips are found to be damaged or brittle, make sure to replace them otherwise they may come down in a storm right when you need them the most!

Fire and chimney:

Fires and chimneys should be checked and cleaned annually, before the beginning of each heating season. The chimney should be swept to prevent a build-up of debris and creosote which can result in a chimney fire. The fire should also be checked for cracking to the mortar and fire bricks and the condition of the fire seal.

Check heating systems:

Have your heating system checked by a heating specialist including having the air filters changed, clearing PVC vent pipes, and cleaning the boiler and gas systems.

Check batteries in smoke alarms:

Log burners and heating appliances increase the changes of house fires over the cooler months, so test the batteries in your smoke alarms and ensure an adequate amount are installed.

Prepare for storms and snow:

Have a basic survival kit ready. Power outages can happen during storms or heavy snow. Include the basics; bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries and first-aid.

Prune plants and trees:

Trim plants and trees back away from the cladding, roof, and electrical wires – this will minimise damage in the event of a storm. Also trim plants and shrubs away from subfloor ventilation grilles to allow air flow and minimise raising damp.

Store summer tools away:

Put away gardening tools that have been used over the summer months, store in a sheltered area out of the elements to minimise rust and increase longevity

Check roof:

Check your roof for any signs of deterioration which could leak over the winter months. Tiles roofs for be checked for loose or missing tiles, and broken mortar, while corrugate roofs should be checked for signs of rust or loose nails.

Test outdoor lighting:

Check lights and sensors are working and install outdoor lighting in dark areas to help prevent slips on walkways on those cold and wet winter nights.

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