Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for Devon Homes

Devon winters might not be as harsh as up north, but the combination of rain, wind, and occasional frost can still cause problems if your home isn't prepared. Here's what to check before the worst of the weather hits.

Outside Your Home

Gutters and Downpipes

This is the big one. Blocked gutters cause more problems than almost anything else:

• Clear all debris - leaves, moss, bird nests
• Check for sagging - gutters should slope toward downpipes
• Test the flow - run water through with a hose
• Check downpipe connections - they often come loose
• Clear drain covers at ground level

Blocked gutters lead to overflowing water, which leads to damp walls, which leads to expensive repairs. Thirty minutes of clearing now saves hundreds later.

Roof Check

You don't need to climb up - a visual inspection from the ground works:

• Missing or slipped tiles/slates
• Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents
• Moss build-up (can lift tiles over time)
• Blocked valley gutters if you have them

Binoculars help. If you spot problems, get them sorted before the storms arrive.

External Walls

Walk around your home and look for:

• Cracks in render - water gets in, freezes, makes them worse
• Damaged pointing between bricks
• Gaps around windows and doors
• Peeling paint on woodwork

Garden and Paths

• Cut back plants touching the house (they hold moisture)
• Clear leaves from paths and patios
• Check for trip hazards - frost makes everything slippery
• Secure garden furniture or store it
• Turn off outside taps and drain the pipes

Inside Your Home

Heating System

Before you really need it:

• Test your heating - turn it on even if it's mild
• Bleed radiators if they have cold spots
• Check the pressure gauge on your boiler (usually 1-1.5 bar)
• Book a boiler service if you haven't had one this year
• Test your thermostat is working properly

Pipework

Frozen pipes are a Devon winter special, especially in older properties:

• Insulate exposed pipes in lofts and garages
• Know where your stopcock is - and check it actually works
• Fix any dripping taps - drips can freeze in exposed pipes
• Keep heating on low if you're away

Draughts and Insulation

Problem	Quick Fix	Better Solution
Draughty doors	Draught excluder strips	New seals/threshold
Cold windows	Secondary glazing film	Proper draught strips
Letter box	Brush seal	Letter cage inside
Gaps in floorboards	Rugs	Fill with flexible filler
Cold loft hatch	Draught strip	Insulated hatch cover

Safety Checks

Winter means more time indoors and more use of heating:

• Test smoke alarms - replace batteries if needed
• Check carbon monoxide detector - essential if you have gas
• Clear around heaters - nothing within 1 metre
• Check fire escape routes - can you get out quickly?

The One-Weekend Winter Prep Plan

If you're short on time, here's what to prioritise:

Saturday morning (2 hours):

• Clear gutters and check downpipes
• Visual roof check
• Test heating system, bleed radiators

Saturday afternoon (2 hours):

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Check and apply draught excluders
• Clear paths and cut back vegetation

Sunday morning (1 hour):

• Test safety alarms
• Locate and test stopcock
• Check external walls for obvious issues

Jobs Worth Getting Help With

Some winter prep is best left to professionals:

• Boiler servicing - annual service extends life and maintains warranty
• Roof repairs - safety first, always
• High gutter clearing - not worth the risk
• Chimney sweeping - if you use a fireplace

Monthly Winter Checks

Once you've done the main prep, these quick monthly checks help spot problems early:

1. Walk around outside after heavy rain - look for pooling water
2. Check loft for any signs of leaks
3. Test heating in rooms you don't use often
4. Clear any new debris from gutters and drains

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Need a hand with winter prep? We can tackle your maintenance checklist in one visit. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.