Winter Maintenance

Before the really awful weather hits this year (and we all know it will) it is always a good idea to make sure that your home is ready for anything the British winter can throw at it. Last year's snow and ice brought misery to many home owners who realised that their exteriors were not ready. So what are the most important jobs to attend to before the winter chill really hits.

• Clean out your gutters. There is a good chance that your gutters will be filled with leaves from the Autumn and will need to be cleared out and checked for any holes or connection weaknesses. If water is allowed to run down the side of your home during the winter you could end up with wet brickwork and damp walls.
• Ensure that your roof is completely water tight and not in need of repair. If any slates or tiles have come loose it is important to fix them before ice can get in underneath and cause them to move more.
• Check you exterior walls for any cracks in plaster or in bricks. Ensure the pointing is all in good shape and re-point if required. In particular check that water is draining away from your walls at ground level and that your damp proof course is still doing its job.
• Wooden windows may need to be repainted and checked for holes or damage. This will improve your warmth inside the house and prevent any wet rot getting into the window sills and frames. Treat the window frames with a preservative.
• Decking can become quite a hazard in the winter months so it is important that it is in good condition. Make sure it is all screwed down flat and has been cleaned prior to the winter. A good pressure washer should be perfect for this. Once clean, treat the wood with a sealant to prevent any rot getting into the wood.
• Ensure that all pathways are clear of leaves and moss. This will make sure that they do not become too slippery during the icy season. You may consider putting down new gravel or sprinkling them with grit to keep them usable if they are prone to slipperiness.
• Make sure you are nice and warm indoors by laying down new insulation in your loft if required and checking doors and windows for gaps or holes. Use sealants or weatherproofing strips to fix these if necessary.

If you take all of this advice you can be sure that your home will still be in good shape once spring comes around again. It might seem like a long way off right now, but the last thing you will want to worry about is home maintenance when you would rather be pottering around in the garden.