The SER Guide To Protecting Your Home This Winter

I make no excuses, as September moves into October and the last remnants of summer disappear to leave us most definitely with autumn, for reminding everyone that now is the time to make sure your house is ready for the weather to come.
Rain, cold and high winds are not friends to the structure of a building. We all love the cosiness of the log fire, hot chocolate and a warm jumper while the storm lashes outside, so let’s make sure we can relax and enjoy such moments, rather than having to worry about the damage the storm may be causing. A bit of work now, before winter arrives, in maintaining the fabric of your house may save you hassle – and money.
At SER we have seen many damaged properties over the years, and a high proportion of this is caused by the elements. So here are our tips to minimise the risks:
Take a look at your roof. Loose or missing tiles can let rain and melted snow in, leading to damp and rot. Fixing them before they cause a problem is the best bet, also bear in mind that loose tiles are more likely to be blown off in high winds. At the same time, check the chimney too. Look for any cracks or loose pointing, especially where it joins the roof. Wind and frost can make these problems worse, increasing the risk of structural damage.
Check your gutters and ground level drains. Soon they may become clogged with fallen leaves meaning that water may not be able to drain away freely. This can also lead to damp and possibly subsidence if water seeps down into the ground below the house, undermining the foundations.
This may also be a good moment to lag pipes and water tanks and to fix any dripping taps. A frozen pipe can burst and lead to flooding, which is never good for the fabric of a building.
It looks like this winter is going to have its challenges, so let’s try to minimise the stress as much as we can. In a world where we may be feeling out of control, these simple checks could be a small way of making life that bit less complicated.