Listed Building Maintenance in Winter

Thatched and listed properties are often historically significant and need a little more care and attention than new builds, especially during winter.

Here are a few things you may need to look out for over winter:

Outside Your Property

· Widening cracks caused by ice.

· Trees, dislodged by storms, falling onto your property.

· Pools of water at wall junctions and metal flashings can freeze, causing cracks.

Inside Your Property

· Condensation left on walls and windows can rot window frames.

· Cupboards can become mouldy and damp. We advise using a moisture trap.

· Pipes are prone to leak after cold weather has set in.

Tip: A good way to avoid dampness is to ventilate your home which balances humidity.

Heating Your Home

During cold weather, you will probably be using your heating system far more frequently. Before winter properly sets in, it’s wise to have your central heating boiler serviced. You can also test your central heating by following the steps below:

· Turn all the radiator valves on

· Turn up the room thermostat to maximum

Set the heating to run on your programmer or boiler

If all the radiators are hot to touch, there should be no issue with them. If any are cold, there could be air trapped in the heating system. In this case, you may need to bleed the radiators. This is a fairly straightforward process, but if in any doubt, arrange for a qualified heating engineer to do this process for you.

Safeguard Your Wood Burner

With the first glimpse of winter, it is tempting to pack your wood burner with the cheapest, easiest-to-source wood you can find. Using the correct wood, however, is vital in maintaining your safety.

Dense hardwood is a good choice of burning material for a wood burner, such as ash, birch, elm and beech. Avoid wood with a high resin content, which can create a residue that could damage your wood burner. Make sure the wood you burn is dry, and do not use manufactured wood in your wood burner, as this could create toxic fumes and a harmful residue.

Maintaining Your Chimney

· Make sure your chimney flue is swept and cleaned by a professional chimney engineer.

· Only burn seasoned wood with 20% moisture (you can buy moisture metres to measure the levels in wood). Green wood often contains sap which can collect in the flue.

· Consider a bird guard instead of a spark arrestor. Spark arrestors clog easily and can cause a build-up of flue gases.

· Do not burn wrapping paper. Wrapping paper can burn quickly and at high temperatures, creating floating debris that can cause a chimney fire. Coated wrapping paper can also create noxious fumes that are toxic.

Property Maintenance

Winter home maintenance is crucial for protecting your property and remaining comfortable during colder months.

· Start by inspecting and cleaning gutters to prevent build-up of ice, which can cause water damage when it melts.

· Make sure downpipes are clear, and funnel water away from the foundations of the building.

· Check the roof for damaged tiles, missing thatch, and leaks, as winter storms can exacerbate existing problems.

· Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts, improving energy efficiency and contributing to reduced heating costs. Inspect your heating system including the boiler, and arrange for a professional inspection to ensure it is operating efficiently.

· Check the attic for proper insulation and ventilation, reducing the risk of ice dams and heat loss.

· Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries if needed. Efficient smoke and carbon detectors are essential for maintaining safety during increased use of heating systems.

· Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting, which can lead to expensive repairs. Shut off and drain exterior taps and store garden hoses.

· Trim trees and remove dead branches that could fall under the weight of snow or ice.

· Finally, prepare emergency supplies, including torches, batteries, and a first aid kit, to handle potential winter storms and power outages effectively.

Christmas & Contents Insurance

If you have presents in your home this Christmas, it will be worth checking out your sums insured. Some insurers offer a temporary uplift around the Christmas period, which can increase your contents cover by a certain percentage. This increase can cover the additional valuables you might have at your home before and after Christmas, i.e. Christmas presents.

What to do if you’re going away for Christmas

To keep your home as safe as possible during the Christmas holidays, take the following steps:

· Don’t post about your holiday on social media.

· Ask neighbours to put your bins back in place, so as not to alert burglars to the fact that you are away.

· Ask your neighbours to park on your drive while you are away from your home, to give the appearance that the house is occupied.

· Set your lights to come on with a timer.

· Meticulously check you’ve locked everything, including outhouses.

· Letters piled up on the mat are a giveaway that you are away from your home. Use the Royal Mail ‘Keepsafe’ service which stores your mail for up to 66 days

Now all that’s left for you to do now is keep warm and have a lovely festive break.

If you would like a home insurance quote for your thatched or listed building, please contact our specialist team of experts. Or, if you would like to discuss your existing home insurance coverage with us, please get in touch.

Call: 01823 250702

Email: thatch@lloydwhyte.com