Funding and advice for Underbanks building owners

Property maintenance tips for autumn and winter

Have you ever wondered how you can care for your historic building?

Whether you are a building owner or tenant, check out these handy tips on what to look out for each month in autumn and winter.

September sees the arrival of autumn, with colder nights and shorter days. It's a great time to:

check windows and doors for any gaps and seal them with caulk. If they're beyond repair, replace the units with new ones
inspect fireplaces to check for damage, hazards, and potential blockages. Clean flues every year to prevent potential fires
clean and test smoke alarms
ensure that the heating system is prepared for winter and that condensation pipes connected to boilers do not run water down the sides of the property
install draught excluders around windows and doors before winter
check over existing seals, and repair any cracks that may have formed and fit draught excluders
check that radiators and their thermostats are working correctly. If the boiler has an external condensation pipe, ensure that this is well insulated to prevent boiler failure
check burglar alarms and ensure locks and bolt locks are in working order

This is the time to prepare for any rain, wind or snow, and make sure your building isn't damaged by it. You can:

check that radiators are on the frost thermostat setting at the very least so that pipes do not freeze in the case of sudden cold weather
make sure that sufficient heating is in place to combat damp in cold weather
make sure that internal and external air vents are not blocked or obstructed to allow for proper ventilation of the property. This will reduce the level of condensation in the building and prevent damp
make sure that you check a flat roof for damage and any sitting water
store away any outdoor furniture that you may have to protect it from the winter elements
insulate external pipes or taps to prevent freezing and bursting during frosty and icy patches
check that security lights are working to deter any anti-social behaviour or burglaries from occurring
clear valley gutters of snow to prevent meltwater from rising and causing dampness in the building
check electrical cords for wear and tear, especially Christmas lights
similarly, check that ground-fault circuit interrupters are working correctly to prevent electrical fires. You can do this by following your manufacturer's testing instructions. It usually involves pushing the test button, listening for a click which will tell you that the unit has tripped and is working, and then pushing the reset button
ensure that there are appropriate fire extinguishers inside the building and replace them every 10 years

During the harshest months of winter, you could:

check that your roof and windows are bird proof before nesting starts
clear gutters of any debris or snow to prevent damp, which can caused by improper flow of drainage pipes
check lofts and basements for leaks during thaws
fix damaged tiles
seal the tile grout in bathrooms and kitchens. Moisture and condensation can often deteriorate existing seals and cause damp problems in time
plan for spring rain by checking plumbing and drains for any cracks, loose joints, or leaks. Also, clear gullies of leaves and debris to prevent blockages
freshen up any internal or external paintwork following the cold winter weather. Sand down any surfaces where paint may have begun to crack and peel off