Making the decision to winter-proof your property can save you time, money and a whole lot of hassle!

Following these few simple steps can help stop you becoming the victim of a property disaster this winter.

Resolve any drafts

Drafts make your home uncomfortable and add additional unnecessary cost to your utility bills. Resolve any drafts by sealing any cracks, and invest in draft excluders where necessary.

Book in a boiler service

No-one wants to be left without heating and hot water in the middle of winter! To minimise your risk of boiler breakdown, make sure you have your boiler serviced regularly.

Clear your guttering

Blocked gutters can cause all sorts of problems, including damp and structural problems, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure they’re clear of debris at the start of the season.

Get your chimney swept

It is estimated that there are over 7,000 chimney fires every year in England alone, many of them caused by a lack of chimney maintenance. Make sure you get your chimney swept at least once every fire-burning season (more frequently may be required, depending on fuel type) to ensure you’re using your fire or burner safely.

Check roofing

Checking your roofing and spotting any problems early could save you a fortune! When roofing fails it is often very costly to fix the exterior and interior damage caused.

Stand back and examine your roof, looking particularly for any loose or missing tiles, or any cracks or sagging to flat roofing. Any damp patches on ceilings are also a good indication that all may not be well with your roofing and is best investigated without delay.

Avoid burst pipes

Burst pipes can cause catastrophic flood damage. If you’re planning any winter getaways or Christmas breaks, it’s important to follow these simple steps to avoid any cold weather damage to your pipes:

Ensure pipes are well insulated, especially those in loft spaces and more susceptible to extreme weather conditions.
Keep central heating at minimum constant temperature of 15 degree celcius in your absence.
Leave your loft hatch open while you’re away to ensure warm air can circulate more easily and stop the pipes in your loft getting too cold in the absence of moving water.
If your pipes do freeze, thaw them slowly and gently – sudden thawing is more likely to cause cracks and splits.
Replace any damaged double glazing

Damaged double glazing panels can seriously affect the energy efficiency of your home, leading to lost heat and costly energy bills. Check your windows and door to check for any drafts or misted glass.

Insulate, insulate, insulate

Insulating your home is like buying it a lovely warm winter coat. Insulation can make a big difference to your heating bills and your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when you come to sell your property. Various government grants are available to help with the cost of insulating your property, so it’s worth doing some research to see whether you and your home qualify.