Winter-Proofing Your Berkshire Home: Essential Tips from Fisher & Partners
As winter approaches in Berkshire, taking proactive steps to protect your home is more important than ever. From freezing pipes to damp issues, the colder months can create challenges, but with careful preparation, you can keep your property safe, warm, and comfortable.
At Fisher & Partners, we support our clients beyond buying and selling. Our aim is to help you maintain your home’s value and enjoy a worry-free season, providing practical advice drawn from years of local expertise.
Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter problems. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to significant damage. Simple precautions can prevent this:
Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in lofts, garages, or basements with foam insulation.
Drain outdoor taps: Disconnect hoses and close internal stopcocks where available.
Keep heating on: Set your thermostat to a minimum of 10–12°C, even when away.
Open cabinet doors: Allow warmer air to circulate around pipes under sinks during very cold nights.
Ensure Your Heating System is Winter Ready
A reliable heating system is essential for comfort and efficiency. Check these key areas:
Boiler service: Have a qualified engineer service your boiler annually.
Bleed radiators: Remove trapped air to improve circulation and heating efficiency.
Check your thermostat: Ensure it works correctly and is programmed for optimal energy use.
Prevent Damp and Mould
Winter humidity can lead to damp and mould, affecting both comfort and property value. Protect your home by:
Ventilating regularly: Even briefly opening windows allows moist air to escape.
Using extractor fans: In kitchens and bathrooms during cooking and bathing.
Checking for leaks: Inspect roofs, gutters, and windows; clear debris from gutters.
Maintaining consistent heat: A steady temperature helps prevent condensation.
Secure Your Home Against Winter Weather
Don’t forget the exterior. Take steps to protect your property from harsh winter conditions:
Inspect your roof: Look for loose or missing tiles.
Clear gutters and downpipes: Ensure water drains correctly and doesn’t damage walls or foundations.
Trim trees: Remove overhanging branches that could break during storms.
Check windows and doors: Ensure seals are tight and consider draught excluders for older properties.
Why Proactive Maintenance Matters
Taking these steps keeps your home comfortable and protects its long-term value. A well-maintained property is more appealing to buyers when the time comes to sell.
At Fisher & Partners, our Senior Managing Partners combine local knowledge with a bespoke, service-led approach. From professional photography to compelling property descriptions, we ensure every home is presented at its absolute best. And unlike larger agencies, you will have a single point of contact throughout your property journey, offering consistent advice, guidance, and support.
Don’t let winter catch you off guard. If you are considering selling your home or simply want expert guidance on maintaining it, your local managing partner at Fisher & Partners would be delighted to provide a free market appraisal and personalised advice. Contact us today, we would love to hear from you.