Winter Is Coming: 7 Home Maintenance Jobs to Do Before the Cold Sets In
Winter Is Coming: 7 Home Maintenance Jobs to Do Before the Cold Sets In
Late autumn is the ideal time to prepare your home for winter. Once the colder weather arrives, small maintenance issues can quickly turn into bigger problems. Taking care of a few key jobs now can help keep your home warm, dry and safe during the colder months.
Here are some practical tasks homeowners should consider before winter sets in.
- Clean out gutters and downpipes
Gutters often fill with leaves and debris during autumn. If they become blocked, rainwater can overflow and damage roofing, cladding and foundations.
Check for:
- Leaves and debris blocking gutters
- Downpipes that are not draining properly
- Gutters that are loose or sagging
- Check the roof for loose or damaged areas
Winter storms and heavy rain can expose small roofing problems. A quick check now can help prevent leaks later.
Look for:
- Loose or cracked roof tiles
- Lifting metal roofing
- Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents
- Seal gaps around doors and windows
Drafts can make a home feel much colder and increase heating costs.
Common areas to check include:
- Gaps around door frames
- Worn or missing weather seals
- Small openings around window frames
- Check outdoor steps and handrails
Wet and icy conditions can make outdoor areas slippery. Making sure steps and handrails are secure can help prevent accidents.
Check for:
- Loose steps or decking boards
- Wobbly handrails
- Surfaces that may become slippery in winter
- Test exterior lighting
Days are shorter in winter, and good outdoor lighting helps improve safety.
Make sure:
- Outdoor lights are working
- Entryways and paths are well lit
- Sensors and timers are functioning correctly
- Repair small cracks in exterior walls or cladding
Even small cracks can allow moisture into the home during winter storms.
Look for:
- Gaps around exterior fittings
- Cracks in weatherboards or cladding
- Areas where sealant has worn away
- Check door locks and latches
Cold weather can cause doors to swell or stick. It is best to fix these issues before winter arrives.
Common problems include:
- Doors that do not close properly
- Locks that are stiff or difficult to turn
- Loose door handles or hardware
Taking care of these small maintenance jobs before winter can help protect your home from moisture, cold air and damage during the colder months.
If we can be of help, please give us a call on 0800 454 654.