wondering how you can prepare your property for cold weather?  

Then you’re in the right place. As the UK braces for the colder months ahead, getting your home winter-ready isn’t just a seasonal chore, it’s a smart investment in comfort, safety, and cost savings.  

From frozen pipes to blocked gutters, the risks of skipping winter-proofing can be costly and inconvenient.  

Things to think about: 

What happens if I don’t winter-proof my home?

How can I prepare my house for winter?

What are the first steps to winter-proofing my home?

Cleaning the gutters

Servicing your boiler and bleeding your radiators

Insulating any exposed pipes

Keeping the water moving

Monitoring for carbon monoxide

When should I prepare my house for winter?

How do I stop my house from getting so cold?

what happens if I don’t winter-proof my home?  

Neglecting winter preparation can lead to: 

• Burst pipes and water damage 
• Blocked gutters causing leaks and damp 
• Inefficient heating and higher energy bills 
• Increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning 
• Structural damage from frost and moisture 

In short, failing to prepare your home for winter can result in expensive repairs and/or uncomfortable living conditions. 
 

how can I prepare my house for winter? 

Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or new to property maintenance, below are our recommendations to get your home winter-ready. 

what are the first steps to winter-proofing my home? 

Before you dive into all sorts of prevention methods or even repairs, take a step back and inspect your home. Figure out what needs to be done first, and then go about it methodically. This could not only help you save time, but hopefully also some money! 

Start with inspecting these essentials: 

• Roof and gutters 
• Boiler and heating system 
• Insulation and draught-proofing 
• Exposed pipes 
• Carbon monoxide alarms 

By checking these essentials first, you can assess whether any need servicing and create a list of what to do next. This can then form the foundation of effective winter home preparation.  

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of some of the how’s and why’s of doing these things. 

1. clean gutters 

Blocked gutters are a common cause of winter leaks and damp. Leaves, moss, and debris can clog drainage systems, leading to overflow and water damage. 

Why is it important to clean gutters before winter? 

• Prevents leaks and damp patches 
• Protects your roof and walls 
• Reduces risk of ice dams forming 

How often should I clean my gutters? 

Once or twice a year is usually often enough. It’s a good idea to clean them in autumn/at the start of winter, depending on how many trees are around your home and how much debris the gutters collect. You may also want to give them another clean in spring. 

Can I clean my gutters myself, or should I hire a professional? 

If you’re comfortable with heights, and you’ve got the right equipment to securely reach the gutters of your home, then you can clean them yourself. Alternatively, a professional will often clean your gutters and make any necessary repairs to ensure they’re in a good state. 

2. service your boiler and bleed your radiators 

Make sure you have your boiler serviced at least once a year so that you know it’s running properly.  

Another important step is to bleed your radiators before you turn on your heating. This will help remove any trapped air and improve their heating efficiency. Make sure that the radiators are completely cooled to avoid burns, and have a towel to hand in case the water from the heater accidentally sprays the floor or wall.  

Final tip for bleeding your radiators: don’t forget to check the pressure on your boiler and repressurise it, if necessary. 

3. insulate any exposed pipes 

Frozen pipes are one of the most damaging winter hazards for your home. Insulating them can be a simple yet effective way to prevent bursts and costly repairs. 

How do I insulate pipes?

• Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or lagging that you can wrap around the pipe 
• Focus on outdoor taps, loft pipes, and garage plumbing 
• Secure insulation with waterproof tape 

What type of insulation should I use for outdoor pipes? 

• Weather-resistant foam or rubber insulation works best 
• You might want to also consider heat tape for extra protection 

At what temperature do pipes usually freeze? 

Pipes tend to freeze at or below 0 degrees Celsius, but this can vary depending on the material the pipe is made from and how well it’s insulated. 


How do I know if my pipes are at risk? 

Any exposed outdoor pipe is at risk of freezing and, if you think that your pipes are frozen, there are some warning signs of this. For example, if you’re only getting a water trickle from your taps or your toilet is flushing slowly, it could be that they're starting to freeze. You might also hear funny sounds from your boiler when it turns on, or it doesn’t turn on at all. 

To unfreeze the pipes, pour hot water (not boiling water) over the pipe you think is frozen. 

4. keep water moving 

If you’re unable to property insulate your water pipes, then the best way to try and avoid frozen pipes is to keep the water flowing through them. Even if it’s slowly, a slow flow of water can help prevent them from freezing. 

Tips: 

• Let taps drip slightly during freezing nights. You can catch the water in a bucket to use it elsewhere so that you don’t waste the water 
• Regularly run water through bathrooms you may use less often 

5. monitor for carbon monoxide 

Winter means increased use of boilers and fireplaces, which raises the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. 

Why is carbon monoxide a winter risk? 

Poor ventilation and faulty heating systems, and blocked chimneys or flues, can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate indoors.  


Safety tips: 

• Test alarms monthly 
• Service heating appliances annually 

Where should I place carbon monoxide detectors? 

Install carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms, boilers and fireplaces if you have one.  


What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? 

Symptoms can vary, but the most common ones are dizziness, general weakness, headaches, having an upset stomach and/or vomiting, and chest pains. If you and anyone you live with has these symptoms, but improves when you leave the house, it could be that you have a carbon monoxide leak and poisoning.  

If this happens, turn off any appliances that use gas, air your place out and call the free National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999. Also seek medical advice to make sure you’re fine. 

when should I prepare my house for winter? 

If you’re thinking about the best time to start winter-proofing your home, it’ll depend on where in the UK you live. But, in general, the beginning of September to early October are pretty good rule of thumb to stick to.  

You definitely want to start insulating your pipes when the temperatures at night start dropping below 5 degrees Celsius. 

how do I stop my house from getting so cold? 

Now that we’ve covered off some ideas and tips on how to protect your home in winter, let’s take a look at what you can do to ensure your home stays warm and toasty throughout winter... without sky-high heating bills. 

Tips to keep your home warm: 

• Use draught excluders on doors and windows 
• Add thermal curtains 
• Bleed radiators for efficiency 
• Layer rugs on cold floors 
• Use smart thermostats to control heating 

If you’re asking yourself whether draught-excluders really work and why they’re at the top of our list – they do really work! And are one of the cheapest and most effective ways to reduce heat loss. 

Want to save more money on your energy bills during the whole year? We’ve also created this handy guide to help you make your home more energy efficient. 

some final thoughts 

If you want peace of mind for you, your family and your home, especially over the winter months, then we also recommend ensuring that your insurance is up-to-date and covers all the necessities. 

Discover how buildings or contents insurance could make sure you feel comfortable and covered in your own four walls.