As the days get colder and longer nights set in, there are all sorts of things that could start to go wrong in a property. From burst pipes to broken heating, winter can cause havoc on our homes. However, with regular maintenance and a bit of planning, you can avoid any cold weather calamities. Here, we’ve provided our top jobs for getting your home ready for winter.

Check your guttering

Leaves, twigs, stray branches and other debris can all combine to clog up guttering and block drains. Obstructions in guttering and drains will render them ineffective - rainwater will not drain properly, potentially leading to damp issues for your property. Therefore, it’s a good idea to schedule in a regular once over of your home’s drains and gutters to ensure they are clean and clear. We suggest at least twice a year, towards the end of autumn and again in early spring.

To check your gutters, ensure you have a sturdy ladder. Always check your ladder is safe and secure before ascending. For larger jobs, consider investing in a work platform. Safety gloves and goggles should be worn to protect you while you work.  

Protect your outdoor furniture

The elements can ruin woodwork and corrode metal. Garden furniture, barbecues, outdoor lighting and other garden accessories should all be stored in a garage or shed during the winter months. However, if space is at a premium, you can protect your outdoor items with either specialist covers or well-secured tarpaulin.

Inspect your roof

As with gutters and drains, roofs should be regularly checked for potential problems, such as signs of damp or damage. The earlier an issue is caught, the more straightforward and cheaper it will be to fix. Flat roofs are prone to ponding, punctures and blisters so be sure to check the membrane and membrane seams for any breaches. Pitched roofs should be checked for missing roof tiles and other signs of wear and tear to flashing. Damp or water stains on ceilings are also signs of potential problems with your roof.

For outbuildings, such as sheds and summerhouses, that have felt roofs, these will need replacing every few years.

Snowguards will help to protect your property by preventing snow and ice from avalanching and damaging people or property below.

Help to protect wildlife

Food can be scarce for birds and other wildlife over the winter. Placing bird feeders and bird houses around your garden will give them a better chance to survive the colder months and find food more easily. We have a wide range of quality feeders and bird feeds available to purchase online or in store.

Whether you’re working the construction industry, doing DIY or looking to make home improvements, we can help. For more information about our extensive range of building products and materials, get in touch with our friendly team.