Preparing Your Property for Winter: The Essential Pre-Season Checklist

Every year, we see a surge in emergency calls during the first cold snap — burst pipes, flooded cellars, and damp problems that could have been caught weeks earlier. The best time to deal with winter property problems is before winter arrives.

This checklist covers everything you should do in autumn to protect your property through the colder months.

Exterior Checks

Roof

Your roof is the first line of defence against winter weather:

• Visually inspect from ground level with binoculars — look for slipped, cracked, or missing tiles
• Check ridge tiles — these are prone to loosening and allowing water in
• Inspect flashing around chimneys, dormers, and roof junctions
• Look for moss and algae — heavy build-up holds moisture against tiles and can lift them
• Check flat roof areas for pooling water, blistering, or splits in the membrane
• Inspect the loft from inside for daylight coming through (indicating gaps) or signs of water staining

Gutters and Downpipes

Blocked gutters are the number one cause of penetrating damp in UK homes:

• Clear all debris — leaves, moss, and sediment
• Check for leaking joints — run water from a hosepipe to test
• Ensure downpipes are flowing — push a drain rod through to clear any blockages
• Check that shoes (the bottom section) direct water into the drain, not against the wall
• Consider gutter guards if nearby trees cause repeated blockages

Walls

• Check pointing between bricks — look for gaps, cracks, or loose mortar
• Inspect render for cracks or hollow sections (tap with your knuckle — hollow sounds mean the render has detached)
• Check the DPC line — ensure external ground levels haven’t risen above it through soil build-up or paving
• Clear vegetation growing against walls — it holds moisture against the masonry
• Check around windows and doors for deteriorating seals or sealant

Drainage

• Clear external drains and gullies of debris
• Check that water flows away from the building — path and patio drainage should slope away from walls
• Test cellar or basement sump pumps if fitted — pour water in to trigger the pump
• Check soakaways are functioning (not waterlogged)

Plumbing and Heating

Heating System

• Service your boiler before winter — book early as engineers get busy from October
• Bleed radiators — air trapped in radiators reduces their efficiency
• Check the pressure gauge on your boiler — typically should read between 1 and 1.5 bar
• Test the thermostat and timer — ensure they’re working correctly
• Run the heating for a sustained period to check all radiators heat evenly
• Check radiator valves for leaks — they’re more likely to weep when first used after summer

Pipes

Frozen pipes cause thousands of pounds in water damage every winter:

• Lag exposed pipes — especially in unheated areas like garages, lofts, and under the ground floor
• Insulate outdoor taps with tap covers or lagging
• Know where your stopcock is — and make sure it actually works (turn it off and on)
• If going away, set heating to a minimum of 12–15°C to prevent freezing
• Consider smart leak detectors that alert your phone to water where it shouldn’t be

Hot Water Tank

If you have a traditional hot water cylinder:

• Check the lagging — replace if deteriorated
• Test the pressure relief valve — it should release water when lifted
• Check for drips around the tank and fittings

Below-Ground Spaces

If you have a cellar or basement, winter preparation is critical:

Waterproofing Systems

• Test sump pumps — pour water into the sump chamber to trigger the pump
• Check battery backup systems — replace batteries if they’re more than 2 years old
• Inspect drainage channels for debris or blockages
• Listen during heavy rain — the pump should cycle, confirming the system is working
• Check the discharge outlet is clear and unobstructed

General Cellar Checks

• Monitor humidity with a hygrometer — maintain below 60% RH
• Check for new cracks or water staining on walls
• Ensure ventilation is adequate — mechanical ventilation should be functioning
• Remove stored items from the floor if flooding is a risk
• Check timber for signs of deterioration

Inside the House

Ventilation

Winter creates a tension between keeping warm and keeping ventilated. Both are essential:

• Check extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms — clean filters and test operation
• Open trickle vents on windows — leave them open all winter
• Check airbricks aren’t blocked by furniture, soil, or debris
• Service mechanical ventilation systems (PIV, MEV, or MVHR units)
• Don’t block radiators with curtains or furniture — heat needs to circulate

Condensation Prevention

• Maintain a baseline temperature of 15°C in all rooms, even unused ones
• Move furniture slightly away from external walls
• Check behind wardrobes and large furniture for early signs of mould
• Stock up on fungicidal wash so you can treat mould spots quickly if they appear

Fire and Safety

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors — replace batteries
• Check the chimney if you use a wood burner or open fire — book a sweep before first use
• Ensure fire escape routes are clear
• Check torch batteries and know where candles are — power cuts are more common in winter

Emergency Preparedness

Despite best preparation, things can go wrong. Be ready:

• Know your stopcock location and how to turn off the water quickly
• Know your gas shut-off location
• Have your insurer’s emergency number saved in your phone
• Keep a plumber’s number handy — finding one in an emergency is stressful
• Have basic supplies — torches, batteries, bottled water — for power cuts

The Professional Option

If you’d prefer a professional to assess your property’s winter readiness — or if you’ve spotted potential damp issues during your checks — Easy Damp offers comprehensive damp surveys that identify problems before winter makes them worse.

Early intervention is always cheaper than emergency repairs. Call 0161 527 6777 or book online.