Winter Exterior Maintenance Checklist

Gutters clear

Prevent ice dam and overflow damage

Outdoor taps drained

Avoid burst pipes and leaks

Patio joints topped

Prevent water ingress and frost damage

Gutter clean (November)

Clears autumn leaves before the winter freeze - frozen water in blocked gutters splits joints and pulls brackets away from the fascia.

Outside tap protection

Lag outdoor taps or shut off the supply and drain the pipework before the first hard frost - burst pipes are a leading winter insurance claim.

Patio and driveway joints

Top up kiln-dried sand before winter - gaps let water in, leading to freeze damage, subsidence, and weed growth come spring.

Furniture and pots

Store or cover garden furniture - frost cracks terracotta pots, fades plastic chairs, and rips through fabric cushions if left exposed.

Render and walls

Visual check for cracks before winter - water entering small cracks expands on freezing and makes them much worse by spring.

Storm prep

Secure bins, trampolines, and garden furniture before forecast storms - flying objects damage roofs, windows, and cars in high winds.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for winter prep? Late November, after most leaves have fallen but before the first hard frost - usually the second or third week of November in the Midlands.

Do you offer winter maintenance packages? Yes - book a gutter clean plus patio check together for a reduced rate and get the whole exterior prepped in one visit.

What if a storm has already damaged my property? We offer storm-damage cleaning including roof tile checks, gutter re-alignment, and clearance of debris from drives and patios.

Related services and locations

Need help now, contact Jet Kings for advice and a free quote.

Need help applying this advice at your property? Call 07954 028819 or request a free quote.

Gutters: The Most Important Winter Check

Gutters are the single most important thing to check before winter. Blocked gutters in winter cause more damage than at any other time of year because water that overflows and freezes adds weight and expands in cracks, accelerating damage to brickwork, mortar and the gutters themselves. Clear gutters in late autumn, after most leaves have fallen. If your property is near trees, this is essential.

Driveways and Paths: Safety First

A driveway covered in moss and algae is slippery in summer but treacherous in winter when the surface is wet or icy. Having your driveway professionally cleaned in autumn removes the algae that makes the surface dangerous. After cleaning, keep the driveway clear of leaves — wet leaves are as slippery as ice and they encourage moss to return.

For block paving, check that the joints are filled with sand. Water that gets into empty joints and freezes can shift blocks and create uneven surfaces. Re-sanding in autumn is a sensible preventative measure.

Roofs: Check Before the Weather Turns

Check your roof from ground level with binoculars. Look for slipped or cracked tiles, missing pointing at the ridge, and any areas where moss is building up. Moss holds water, and that water freezing and thawing through winter accelerates tile damage. If your roof has significant moss, consider having it cleaned before winter — or at least inspected so you know whether action is needed.

Render and Walls: Protect from Water Ingress

Check rendered walls for cracks or areas where the render has blown (sounds hollow when tapped). Water that gets into cracks and freezes will widen them, leading to larger areas of damage. If your render is heavily stained with algae, soft washing in autumn removes the growth before winter damp encourages it to spread further.

General Winter Preparation Checklist

Clear gutters and check downpipes are flowing freely

Clean driveways and paths to remove slippery algae and moss

Check roof for damaged tiles and moss build-up

Inspect render and brickwork for cracks

Clear drains and gullies of leaves and debris

Check outside taps are isolated and drained to prevent freezing

Trim overhanging branches that could damage the roof in winter storms

Re-sand block paving joints if they are empty

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I do winter exterior maintenance?

September to November is the ideal window. Gutters should be cleaned after most leaves have fallen (late October/November). Driveway and patio cleaning is best done in September or October before temperatures drop and frost becomes a regular occurrence.

Can exterior cleaning be done in freezing temperatures?

We can clean most surfaces as long as the temperature is above 3°C. Below that, water can freeze on the surface, creating a slip hazard and preventing cleaning solutions from working effectively. We monitor the forecast and will reschedule if freezing conditions are expected.

What is the most important winter maintenance task?

Gutter clearance. Blocked gutters cause more winter damage than any other exterior issue — water overflow saturates walls, freezing causes cracking, and the weight of wet debris can pull gutters away from the fascia. It is also one of the cheapest services to have done.

Do you work through the winter?

Yes. We work year-round. The main limitations in winter are shorter daylight hours and the need to avoid working in freezing conditions or heavy rain for safety reasons. We plan winter work around the forecast.