Guide
Jobs to do before winter in an old Cotswold house
Short answer
Before winter, clear gutters and downpipes, find your stop tap, lag pipes in cold spaces and drain outside taps. Check doors, windows, fences and paths. In an old stone house, keep water off the walls and keep vents clear. Cotswold District Council says damp can make an old building up to three times less energy efficient.
Why old houses need autumn care
Old Cotswold houses have solid stone walls, often with lime mortar. Cotswold District Council says these walls take in a little moisture and let it out again. They stay dry only if rain runs off them.
Small faults let water in. The council says damp, a common result of poor maintenance, can make a building up to three times less energy efficient.
Outside the house
Do these jobs in October or November, after most leaves fall.
- Clear gutters, downpipes and gullies of leaves and moss.
- Look for slipped or broken roof tiles and stone slates from the ground.
- Clear soil and plants away from air bricks, vents and drains.
- Fix loose fence panels and gates before winter gales.
- Clear moss and leaves from steps and paths.
Water pipes
Find your stop tap and check that it turns. The Consumer Council for Water says turning the water off fast can save a lot of damage.
- Lag pipes and tanks in the loft, garage and other cold spaces.
- Wrap bends and hard-to-reach pipes with strips of insulation.
- Insulate outside taps, or turn them off and drain them.
- Fix dripping taps and overflows.
Doors, windows and draughts
Check that doors and windows close well. Fit draught strips to doors and windows that rattle.
Do not block vents or trickle vents in an old house. The council asks owners to check that vents work. Old walls need air to dry out.
Heating and safety checks
Book a service for your boiler, stove or chimney before the cold weather. A gas boiler needs a Gas Safe registered engineer. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
A handyman can do many of the jobs on this page. For roofs, chimneys, gas and electrics, use the right trade.
Use materials that suit the house
The council says cement, damp-proof courses and synthetic paints can trap moisture in old walls. That can cause damp and mould. Ask for lime mortar and breathable paints for repairs to old stone walls.
Questions
When should I clear my gutters?
In late autumn, after most of the leaves fall. Houses near big trees may need a second clear in early spring.
What do I do if a pipe freezes?
Turn off the water at the stop tap. Open the nearest cold tap. Warm the pipe gently, for example with a hot water bottle. Never use a naked flame. Call a plumber if a pipe leaks.
Why should I not use cement on my stone walls?
Cotswold District Council says cement and synthetic paints can trap moisture in traditional walls, which can lead to damp and mould. Lime lets the wall dry out.