As temperatures drop, a well-prepared home stays warm and comfortable while an unprepared one costs a fortune to heat. Here's what to check and consider for winter-proofing your property.
Insulation
Heat rises and escapes through your roof. If your loft insulation is less than 270mm deep (or was installed more than 15 years ago), topping it up is one of the cheapest improvements you can make. The cost is modest, and the savings on heating bills are immediate.
Cavity wall insulation is trickier - some older properties in areas like Tunbridge Wells and Lewes have solid walls, which require different approaches. Internal or external wall insulation is more expensive but makes a significant difference to older, draughty houses.
Windows and Doors
Draughty windows are a major source of heat loss. Options include:
- Draught-proofing: Rubber seals around frames - cheap and effective
- Secondary glazing: Adds another layer inside existing windows
- Replacement double or triple glazing: Most effective but higher cost
For period properties in conservation areas across South London and Kent, secondary glazing often makes more sense than replacing original windows.
Don't forget doors - letterboxes, keyholes, and gaps around frames all let cold air in. Draught excluders and brush strips are simple fixes.
Heating System
Get your boiler serviced before winter. A breakdown in January is miserable and emergency call-outs cost more. Annual servicing keeps your system running efficiently and spots problems before they become failures.
Consider whether your heating system is working effectively:
- Do radiators have cold spots? They may need bleeding or flushing
- Is your boiler struggling to heat the house? It might be undersized or inefficient
- Are you heating rooms you don't use? Thermostatic radiator valves give room-by-room control
Pipes and Water
Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage. Insulate pipes in unheated spaces - lofts, garages, under floors. It's a simple job that prevents expensive problems.
Know where your stopcock is and check it turns freely. If pipes do freeze, you need to shut off water quickly.
Roof and Gutters
Clear gutters of leaves and debris before winter rains arrive. Blocked gutters overflow, causing damp problems and potential damage to walls and foundations.
Check your roof for missing or damaged tiles. A small repair now prevents a big problem when winter storms hit. This is especially important for period properties across Kent and Sussex where roofs may be older.
External Walls and Pointing
Damaged pointing lets water into walls, which then freezes, expands, and causes more damage. Repointing before winter protects your property and is easier to do in milder weather.
Get Help Preparing Your Home
If your property needs work before winter - whether it's a new boiler, better insulation, or repairs to walls and roofing - we can help. Call 01732 905968 to discuss what your home needs.