Winter has a habit of finding every weak spot in a property, from a loose roof tile to a draughty window frame. Our specialist Devon builders follow a set of essential checks to make sure your home is properly protected before the colder months set in. Let’s take a look at the key property checks our Exeter building services team recommends before winter fully arrives.
In many ways, this is the most important check to make, which is why we’ve started with it. Our roofing team will inspect your roof for cracked, missing or chipped tiles, and assess the valleys for rust or signs of disintegration. Neglecting your roof is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make, and it can lead to internal damage and an expense bill that could easily have been avoided with an early check.
Blocked or damaged guttering is one of the most common causes of winter water damage, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem appears inside the house. Leaves and debris can build up quickly in autumn, causing water to overflow and seep into walls, roof spaces or foundations. Our team can check your guttering and downpipes are clear and properly secured before the heavy winter rain arrives.
A heating system that’s been left unchecked over summer can develop faults just when you need it most. Our team can carry out a full assessment of your boiler and radiators, checking for leaks, corrosion, and signs that a radiator may need replacing rather than just bleeding. Catching a developing fault early is far cheaper than an emergency repair mid-winter – and if you do run into an urgent issue, our reactive maintenance team is on hand.
Windows and doors that let draughts through won’t just affect your comfort in winter, but your wallet too. Our builders in Exeter can provide a complete inspection of your windows and doors, assessing for damage and any sealing issues that go beyond a quick DIY fix – such as warped frames, failed double glazing seals, or structural gaps that need proper repair rather than temporary insulation strips.
Cracks or damage to external walls and render can let moisture in, which becomes a bigger problem once temperatures drop and any trapped water starts to freeze and expand. If you’ve noticed any hairline cracks, damp patches, or flaking render over the summer, it’s worth getting these looked at before winter rather than after. Our property refurbishment team can assess and repair external damage as part of a wider check.
Trim tree limbs to prevent them falling on your home or accumulating on the ground and holding moisture. Tree limbs, leaves and other debris can build up around your property, forming areas where excess water gathers. Aside from making your garden unsightly, this can damage your patio, decking or outdoor areas generally. Before winter gets into full swing, consider getting in touch with our Exeter landscaping team to get the perimeter of your property sorted before the storms and rain take hold.
Your outdoor areas can be heavily affected by months of intense, wet weather, and rust may appear on metal furniture left exposed. Consider storing furniture in a garden shed or outhouse – and if you don’t currently have anywhere suitable, talk to our general builders in Exeter. They’ll work with you to understand exactly what you need before building an outhouse you can rely on for years to come.
These are the main checks our Exeter builders carry out on homes across the South West in preparation for winter. All manner of property issues can occur during the colder months, which is why it’s worth getting in touch with our local, trusted builders for a complete house inspection – from the perimeter to the inner workings. Contact our property maintenance Exeter team to arrange a day and time for these important checks before the winter weather sets in.
Early autumn is the ideal time to start, ideally before the clocks change and the weather turns. This gives enough time to book in any professional checks or repairs before the busiest winter months, when tradespeople – including us – tend to get booked up quickly.
Insulating exposed pipes, particularly in lofts, garages and outside walls, is the most effective way to prevent freezing. Keeping your heating on a low, consistent setting during particularly cold spells (rather than switching it off entirely) also helps reduce the risk, especially if you’re away from the property for any length of time.
It’s good practice to have your roof checked annually, particularly after a period of strong winds or storms. Small issues like a slipped tile are inexpensive to fix early, but can lead to significant internal damage and a much larger repair bill if left unaddressed over winter.
This guide focuses on the bigger checks best carried out by a professional – roofing, guttering, boiler systems, external walls and structural window/door issues. Our DIY winter property maintenance checklist covers smaller jobs you can tackle yourself, like bleeding radiators, draught-proofing, and checking smoke detectors.
