# Getting your home ready for winter

> A few hours in autumn can save a lot of trouble when the cold arrives. Most of these checks need no tools at all, and the rest take an afternoon.

A few hours in autumn can save a lot of trouble when the cold arrives (updated for this winter). Most of these checks need no tools at all, and the rest take an afternoon.

## Start outside

- Clear leaves from gutters and downpipes.
- Look for loose roof tiles from the ground with binoculars.
- Seal gaps around window frames with a flexible filler.

## Then work inside

Bleed the radiators, test the smoke alarms and find your stopcock so you can turn off the water quickly if a pipe ever bursts.

If anything looks worse than you expected, take a photo and send it to us. We are happy to say whether it can wait.

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Source: https://oakline.etchwpkitstest.site/getting-your-home-ready-for-winter/
Updated: 2026-11-02