The 10-point checklist to ensure your property is ready for winter!

Oh the weather outside is frightful… As the temperature drops, NOW is the time to think about how best to prepare your property for the colder months ahead.

The 10-point checklist to ensure your property is ready for winter!

Preventative maintenance is crucial for avoiding expensive repair bills, unnecessary wear and tear to your property, and if you’re a landlord - unhappy tenants.

 

Keep your property in check with our 10-point winter property checklist...

 

1. Pipes                                        

 

Frozen pipes are a worry at winter, as they can burst and result in flooding. Make sure you check that your water pipes are properly insulated to prevent this from happening.

 

If you have a rental property and your tenants are away for the festive season, ask them to keep the heating at a low level to help maintain a consistent temperature around the pipes.

 

Top tip: Placing pipes in warmer areas (away from the outside walls) will reduce the chance of them freezing. If this isn’t possible, ask a plumber to fit vulnerable pipes with insulation sleeves.

 

2. Drains                   

 

Water damage can have devastating effects on a property, so it’s imperative you take some preventative measures. Make sure to keep your drains clear of leaves and twigs, as clogged drains can cause a build-up of water which could get into the property and lead to serious damp problems.

 

3. Roof                                                                         

 

It's very common for roof slates to become broken, cracked, or to slip out of place.

 

Unfortunately, even a really small gap in the slates can let in damaging quantities of water, so make sure you - or a handyman - regularly checks for issues. Replacing a tile will be a lot cheaper than repairing water damage!

 

4. Boiler                                                    

 

If you do one thing this winter, get your boiler serviced by a Gas Safety registered engineer! Not only will this save you money in the long run, but also reduce the risk of gas leaks, fires and even carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

This is especially important if you’re a landlord, as you’re legally responsible for the safety of your tenants.

 

5. Damp

 

There are a number of ways you can fight against condensation and mould: close the kitchen door when cooking to prevent steam going into colder rooms; cover your pans when cooking; dry washing outdoors if possible; wipe down the windows and windowsills every morning; cover fish tanks; and look to move your plants outdoors if the problem persists.

 

Top tip: Invest in a humidistat-controlled electric fan for the bathroom - they come on automatically when the air becomes humid and are great for preventing condensation.

 

6. Radiators                 

 

Now it's getting chilly, it's important to check your radiators are working to their full potential. If you turn your heating on and notice cool spots toward the top of the radiator, it’s likely there’s air trapped, and you’ll need to bleed the radiator.

 

7. Drafts

                            

Keep an eye out for any cracks or holes in your outside walls, as the cold air can find its way into pipes and cause nasty drafts. If you find a crack, make sure you or a handyman seal them up before the cold weather arrives!

 

8. Chimney

 

If your home has a cosy fireplace, make sure it has been swept for Santa’s imminent arrival!

 

It’s recommended that you get a professional in at least once a year to inspect and clean your chimney. An expert will be able to identify any faults that need fixing, preventing the risk of chimney fires and brickwork corrosion.

 

9. Windows & doors

 

Wood’s worst enemy is water. So if you want to prolong the life of your wooden windows and doors, preparation is vital.

 

Make sure to give wooden windows and doors a good clean with warm, soapy water before winter sets in, let it dry and then apply a protective wood treatment.

 

Top tip: Regular painting is also a great protection for wooden windows and doors!

 

10. Plants

 

Ivy growing up the side of a house can look really beautiful, but it can also cause dampness and damage in the colder months to dry-stacked walls or weakened bricks.

 

If you have plants or growth against your property, make sure to cut them back over winter or prune where necessary.

 

Protecting your property now with the winter checklist will sure you both time and money in the long-run.

 

Get in touch with us

First Name*
Last Name*
Your Email Address*
Mobile Phone*
Are you looking to*
Please enter message here*
Please confirm that it is okay for us to contact you about this information as well as products and services. (You will always be given the right to unsubscribe at any point in the future)*

Register for Property Alerts

Ever missed out on the perfect property just because you heard about it too late, or the Estate Agent never told you about it as it was slightly outside of your criteria? Never miss out again by using our “Heads Up Property Alerts”.

Meet Our Founding Director James

Meet Our Founding Director James

James Allen is the founding director and owner of Allen Residential. James started in estate agency back in 1997 and after working for a couple of strong independent estate agencies he established Allen Residential in 2005 Keen to invest back into his team, James is dedicated to ensuring that each team member at Allen Residential is a key part of the business, emphasizing the importance of their contributions. His leadership style highlights the significance of a cohesive and dedicated team, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment. The business has flourished in recent years, thanks to the staff's commitment to excellence and the implementation of effective systems. James' appreciation for his team’s hard work and dedication is evident, making Allen Residential a thriving and dynamic company.

Why choose Allen Residential?

Why choose Allen Residential?

With an owner who has 35 number of years experience in the industry and 20 years of company history, we bring knowledge, reliability, and expertise to every property transaction.

Our approach is casual and professional, aiming to form personal connections with the people we work with instead of treating them as a number.

About Us