With the cold weather now upon us , RICS is advising homeowners to check their properties to help stop the predicted harsh weather from taking its toll on their property, heating and maintenance bills.
Properties are vulnerable to attack both from the outside elements and the moist, warm conditions that build-up inside during the winter months, so now is an ideal opportunity to prepare.
The RICS winter property checklist includes:
Roof
Inspect the roof and replace any cracked tiles
If chimney pots are in place but not in-use consider protecting them, by fitting ventilated cowls
Loft
Check the insulation is in good condition (up to current standard)
Avoid over insulating. It is important that the tanks and pipes in the loft do not freeze, so do not insulate below the tank
Make sure the lid is on the cold-water tank
Gutters and drains
Clear them of leaves and debris. Take particular care that the gulleys are clear
Overflowing gutters can drench walls and cause damage
Insulate external drain pipes (eg those for central heating) with waterproof tape or similar material
Walls
A lot of heat loss in the home can be through the walls. Properly installed cavity or solid insulation can be a good option and reduce your energy bills but you are advised to obtain expert advice first.
Check the pointing – frost can play havoc with poorly maintained walls
Make sure water can run off the building; fill gaps to cement angle fillets at wall junctions
Consider fitting reflective foil behind radiators on outside walls
External paving
In very cold weather water on paving will freeze
Ensure the paving is well drained and avoid water collecting, freezing and causing accidents
Decking
Check that it hasn’t obstructed air bricks and gulleys
Windows
Check perimeters of all windows to make sure water flows away from glass and doesn’t collect on the sill, or drain behind it
It is important to minimize draughts. If double-glazing is not in place (it cuts heat loss through windows by 50 percent), consider fitting cheaper options such as secondary glazing or put polythene across the window frames
Curtains can make a big difference to heat loss. Consider thermally insulated curtains for windows and the outside doors
Doors
Stop draughts through letterboxes by fitting a cover and put a sealant around the door frames
Floors
Fill gaps between exposed floor boards
If there are stripped floors in place consider putting down rugs in the winter to reduce draughts up between the boards
Ensure central heating pipework in the ventilated floor voids is insulated (70% of the heat input may be lost if uninsulated)
Chimney
Have wood and coal burning flues swept
Fit chimney balloons in open flues
Boilers
Have your boiler serviced
If you have a condensing boiler, insulate the external condensate and ensure it is of the correct bore
Consider fitting a trace heater to prevent the boiler from freezing
And finally, check your heating system is in order; insulate hot water tanks, and bleed radiators.
While many of these simple tasks can be undertaken safely in the home it is important that people seek the advice of reputable professionals when looking to complete larger jobs.
RICS also advise people to avoid using builders and tradespeople who cold call.
