While it’s obviously important for homeowners and landlords to take proper care of their properties all year round, the winter months and temperamental weather conditions often bring about extra issues that need addressing more urgently. 

Below, we’ll run through some of the most common problems and things to consider both inside and outside the home in winter, and a few ways you can protect your home as the temperature begins to drop. 

Boiler servicing

A boiler breaking at any time is annoying; in winter, it can be a nightmare. Boilers should be serviced once a year by a qualified Gas Safe engineer to ensure they are running safely and efficiently.

As well as being able to spot any potential issues early, annual services are often mandatory when it comes to keeping your manufacturer’s warranty valid. Likewise, regular boiler services can also be a requirement in some home insurance policies, so failure to keep on top of these routine checkups could lead to voided policies. 

Check for damaged tiles and loose bricks

Taking time to inspect your roof for any damaged or missing tiles is definitely worthwhile as winter sets in. Any gaps could leave the inside of the roof exposed to rain and snow, which could lead to an extremely costly fix in the future.

If you spot any missing tiles on your roof, it's best to have a professional roofer fix the issue, as it can be incredibly dangerous without proper skills and equipment. 

Similarly, any loose bricks, perhaps in a garden wall, could become a major hazard during high winds. While any major bricklaying jobs are again best left to a professional, minor repairs and small projects are often manageable with some fairly basic skills.

Clear guttering and drains

If safe to do so, clear your guttering of any debris like old leaves and branches. This will prevent blockages in your drainage systems, stopping water from leaking, or building up and freezing, causing damage to the gutter itself. 

Likewise, if you can access your ground drains, check these for similar debris, as improper drainage can lead to flooding, and in extreme cases, structural issues with your home.

Avoid frozen pipes

Insulating your pipes, both internal and external, with tubing (also known as lagging) is a fairly straightforward task you can often tackle yourself, and can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. 

High-priority areas include external pipes that are constantly exposed to the elements, as well as indoor pipes in cold, draughty areas, like lofts and basements. 

Check for cracks and draughts

Inspect windows, doors and other areas prone to draughts for any cracks and gaps. Sealing these up with strips or sealant will take no time at all, but can play a major part in stopping moisture from getting into the home, preventing wood from rotting and the growth of potentially harmful mould.

If your property is unoccupied

If you’re a landlord with a property that is currently vacant, keep your water turned off in the colder months to prevent leaks. Setting your heating to come on for a few hours a day is also advisable, as this can help prevent damp build-ups and frozen pipes. 

While complex and potentially dangerous maintenance work is always best left to qualified tradespeople, those wanting the ability to take on portions of the work may consider a property development course. While there is an up-front cost involved with the training, the long-term savings for both landlords and homeowners can be significant.