How to Prepare Your Home Exterior for Winter (UK Checklist)
Quick answer: How to Prepare Your Home Exterior for Winter
Before winter, clear gutters and downpipes, check the roof for loose tiles, insulate outside taps and exposed pipes, get the chimney swept, cut back branches near the house, treat slippery paths for algae and moss, and know where your stop tap is in case a pipe bursts.
Key takeaways on how to prepare your home exterior for winter
- Clear gutters after the leaves fall, before winter storms.
- Insulate outside taps and exposed pipes before the first frost.
- Remove moss and algae from paths to prevent slips.
- Locate your stop tap now, not during an emergency.
Roof and gutters
Clear leaves from gutters and check for slipped tiles. Storm damage is far cheaper to fix early - a reputable roofer can secure loose tiles and flashing.
Pipes, taps and plumbing
Fit insulating covers to outside taps, lag exposed pipes and turn off the isolating valve to garden taps. If a pipe does freeze and burst, turn off the water at the stop tap and call a plumber - for example Kestrel Plumbing or Plumber Gastonia NC for those based in North Carolina.
Chimneys and fireplaces
Have the chimney swept before the first fire, and check the stack for cracked mortar or a damaged crown. RepairHearth explains the warning signs of a chimney that needs repair.
Trees, paths and drains
- Cut back branches that could hit the roof in a storm; large trees need a professional tree service.
- Treat paths and steps for algae, which becomes lethal in frost.
- Check drains and gullies are free of leaves.
How to Prepare Your Home Exterior for Winter: frequently asked questions
When should I clean my gutters before winter?
Late November is ideal in most of the UK, once the majority of leaves have fallen.
How do I stop outside taps freezing?
Turn off the internal isolating valve, drain the tap and fit an insulated tap cover.
Should I jet wash in winter?
Avoid it in freezing conditions because water left in joints can freeze and damage paving. Soft washing treatments can still be applied in mild spells.