Home Improvement Advice for Winterizing

Chimneys, Roofs & Gutters Do it Yourself Tips for Winterizing

Chimneys

If you have an open or flame effect gas fire, before using it make sure that there are no birds nests built over it. The top of the flue should have a balloon in it to stop such occurrences. However, the wire balloons degrade and corrode and should be periodically checked.

When did you last have your flue swept?

Roofs

Have a look at your roof to see if there are any slipped or missing slates or tiles. Use a pair of binoculars to examine them as closely as possible.

Does the pointing on the chimney or the rendering look sound?

Can you see any bits of mortar from the flaunching around the chimney pots on the roof?

Is the pointing on the verges to your roof sound? What is the condition of the barge board?

Should they be repainted next year?

Do the chimney pots look sound, are they cracked?

Are the flashings tightly bedded to the parapet, wall or chimney?

Have you swept leaves and debris from your flat roof recently?

Can you see any broken coping stones that may require replacement?

Gutters

Have you cleaned the gutters recently?

When it rains, does the water overflow in any place?

Are there any drips from the gutter once it has stopped raining?

Are your gutter brackets still sound?

What is the condition of the soffit and fascia board?

When were they last painted?