At Mortlock & Joyce, we understand that your home is one of your most significant assets. As your trusted estate agent, we believe in guiding you with clarity and confidence, offering expert advice delivered with care, especially when it comes to protecting your property's value. Winter can be particularly harsh on properties, and a little proactive maintenance now can save you significant headaches and expenses later.

Protecting Your Home's Exterior

The exterior of your home takes the brunt of winter weather. Here's how to prepare it:

• Clear Gutters and Downpipes: Blocked gutters can lead to overflowing water, which can freeze and cause damage to your roof, walls, and foundations. We always recommend clearing them of leaves and debris before the heavy rains and frosts set in.
• Inspect Your Roof: Look for loose or broken tiles. Even a small crack can allow water ingress, leading to damp and costly internal damage. If you're unsure, a professional inspection is a wise investment.
• Check for Cracks in Walls and Foundations: Small cracks can expand significantly when water freezes inside them. Sealing these now can prevent more extensive structural issues.
• Secure Outdoor Furniture and Decorations: High winds can turn garden items into projectiles, potentially damaging your home or a neighbour's. Store them away or secure them firmly.

Safeguarding Your Home's Interior Systems

Inside, several systems need attention to ensure they run efficiently and safely through winter.

• Boiler Service: A well-maintained boiler is less likely to break down when you need it most. An annual service ensures it's running efficiently and safely, which is vital for both your comfort and your energy bills.
• Bleed Radiators: If your radiators aren't heating evenly, they might have air trapped inside. Bleeding them allows hot water to circulate properly, improving heating efficiency.
• Insulate Pipes: Exposed pipes, especially in lofts or unheated areas, are susceptible to freezing and bursting. We suggest insulating them with foam lagging to prevent this costly problem.
• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: With windows often closed and heating on, ensuring these detectors are working correctly is paramount for your family's safety. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed.

Energy Efficiency and Preventing Damp

Winter is also a time to think about keeping your home warm and dry efficiently.

• Draft-Proofing: Simple measures like sealing gaps around windows and doors can make a big difference to your home's warmth and energy consumption.
• Ventilation: While it's tempting to keep everything sealed up, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent condensation and damp, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Open windows for short periods, even in winter, or use extractor fans.
• Loft Insulation: Ensure your loft insulation is adequate. A significant amount of heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof, impacting your energy bills and your home's EPC rating.

Taking these steps now will not only make your home more comfortable and safer this winter but will also help maintain its condition and appeal for potential buyers down the line. We pride ourselves on our owner-led service, ensuring you always deal directly with us for accountability and a genuine relationship. We're here to offer trusted guidance every step of the way.

Curious about what your home is worth today? Get in touch to organise a market appraisal on the banner below: