Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for North East Homeowners

North East winters can be brutal. High winds, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures put your home through a lot. Here is a practical checklist to help you prepare.

Roofing and gutters

• Inspect your roof for loose, cracked, or missing tiles
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes
• Check for signs of water damage in your loft space
• Ensure your roof ventilation is clear and working

If you spot any issues, contact a local roofer before winter sets in. Repair costs are always lower before the damage gets worse.

Plumbing and heating

• Get your boiler serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Bleed your radiators to remove air pockets
• Lag any exposed pipes in unheated spaces (loft, garage, outside)
• Know where your stopcock is in case of a burst pipe
• Consider fitting a smart thermostat to manage heating costs

Windows and doors

• Check seals and weatherstripping around windows and doors
• Replace any cracked or damaged window panes
• Apply draught excluders to letterboxes and keyholes
• Consider secondary glazing if you have single-glazed windows

Exterior

• Repair any cracks in render or pointing before frost gets in
• Clear leaves from drains and gullies
• Check garden walls and fences are secure before winter storms
• Cut back any overhanging branches that could damage your property in high winds

Electrics

• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check outdoor lighting is working (shorter days mean you rely on it more)
• Consider an electrical safety inspection if your wiring is older

Getting help

If any of these tasks are beyond your DIY skills, find a trusted local tradesman through North East Trades. Getting jobs done before the winter rush means you will have more choice and often better prices.