10 maintenance tips to protect your home this winter

If left unchecked, the consequences of water ingress can become costly and difficult to repair, with problems ranging from a simple damp patch on the wall to deterioration of decorative finishes and decay in important wooden structural elements.

To help avoid problems over the winter, the PCA has launched 10 key maintenance tips for homeowners, including checking roofs and chimneys, keeping drains clear of debris, and ensuring ventilation systems work effectively to prevent condensation and mould.

James Berry is Chief Technical Officer at the PCA. He said: “Regular property maintenance is important in preventing avoidable damage to internal finishes and timber.

“Small defects can provide routes for water to enter a building, and if these problems are left unresolved can result in extensive and costly repairs.

“Even a small amount of water in the wrong place over the long term can cause issues.

“Householders should check their properties for signs of deterioration, establish the cause and deal with maintenance issues promptly.”

The PCA has compiled ten practical tips to help householders identify potential problems and take action to protect their properties.

1. Roofs - Check for cracked, slipped or missing tiles and slates, particularly if there is no secondary underfelt.

2. Drives and paths - Clear away any accumulated leaves so that surface water can drain away quickly, especially during heavy downpours.

3. Storage butts and water containers - Check for leaks and ensure overflows prevent water from accumulating against property walls, which can lead to internal damp.

4. Gutters - Even a small blockage can cause problems in guttering and downpipes.  Drains need to be free from moss, leaves and debris, with no leaks or damaged joints.

5. Ventilation – Indoor air becomes more laden with water in winter, leading to condensation, damp and even mould.  Ensure extractor fans, trickle vents and ventilation ducts are clean, unobstructed and working effectively to help manage indoor moisture.

6. Woodwork protection - Water can cause external timber to rot, which can result in costly specialist repairs or replacement. A quality wood finish will offer protection against water and frost and keep timber intact.

7. Chimney flashings - It’s not uncommon for water to enter a building at the point where lead flashings meet at the joint with the chimney stack.  Check that they are properly sealed to avoid damaged wallpaper and other coatings.

8. Pointing and rendering - Look for cracks, loose material and eroded joints that could allow rainwater to penetrate external walls, particularly in driving rain. Pay special attention to the weather-prevailing side of your property.

9. Window and doorway openings – This year’s warm summer months may have caused the weather sealing between the frames and masonry to deteriorate and provide a channel for rain to enter.

10. Drains – Clear blockages caused by leaves and other debris to prevent flooding, particularly during heavy downpours.

James Berry added: “With winters typically getting wetter, it is more important than ever to protect your home against water penetration.

“The last decade was 13 per cent wetter than the 1961-1990 average and the occurrence of very wet months has doubled compared with the same period.*

“These findings reinforce the need to ensure properties are properly maintained and that defects allowing water ingress are identified and addressed.

“If householders notice persistent damp, recurring mould or signs of water penetration, they should seek professional advice rather than simply treating the visible symptoms.

“PCA members have specialist expertise in areas including damp protection, structural waterproofing, timber preservation and structural repair, and can advise on the appropriate course of action.”

Further information about the Property Care Association and details of its members can be found at www.property-care.org