Get ahead of the cold, damp, and draughts? Here’s how to make sure your home is winter-proof.

 

Late August and September are the ideal time to start thinking about winter-proofing your home. Why? Because once the cold, rain and storms arrive, it’s often too late — or too expensive — to fix issues properly.

 

As property surveyors, we’re often called in after damage has already been done. A cracked roof tile turns into a leak. Poor insulation causes rising energy bills. Blocked drains lead to damp or flooding.

So before winter hits, here are the key checks we recommend for every Irish home.

Roof and chimney: Your first line of defence

Ireland’s autumn and winter weather can be brutal, so your roof needs to be watertight and secure.

 

Surveyor’s checklist:

• Check for slipped or cracked tiles or slates
• Inspect flashing around chimneys and roof junctions
• Look out for signs of sagging, moss, or mould
• Have tall chimneys or shared stacks checked for stability

 

Why it matters: Even a minor crack can let in water during heavy rain, causing internal ceiling damage and rot in roof timbers.

Insulation: Warmth without the sky-high bills

Heating costs are rising. Good insulation keeps your home warm for longer and reduces your energy use.

 

Surveyor’s checklist:

• Attic insulation (ideally 300mm depth of mineral wool)
• Cavity wall insulation (or check for insulation gaps)
• Draught-proofing on windows and doors
• Lagging on pipes to prevent freezing

 

Why it matters: Poor insulation leads to heat loss, higher bills, and a colder home — especially in older properties.

Gutters and drainage: Keep water flowing

One of the biggest causes of damp and mould is poor drainage. Overflowing gutters and blocked drains allow water to collect against walls or seep into basements.

 

Surveyor’s checklist:

• Clear all gutters of leaves, moss, and debris
• Check downpipes for cracks or disconnections
• Make sure water is draining away from the house, not pooling
• Consider a CCTV drain survey for recurring blockages

 

Why it matters: Unchecked drainage issues can cause long-term structural damage and health risks from internal damp.

Heating system: Don’t wait until it’s freezing

Test your heating system before you need it. We recommend doing this in late August or early September.

 

Surveyor’s checklist:

• Test radiators and thermostats, are they heating evenly?
• Book a boiler service if it hasn’t been done in the last year
• Bleed radiators to remove trapped air
• Inspect hot water cylinders and pipework for leaks or corrosion

 

Why it matters: Heating failures in winter are stressful and costly. Avoid the scramble by checking now.

Exterior checks: Stop damp at the door

It’s not just what’s inside that counts. Your home’s exterior plays a key role in keeping it dry and warm.

 

Surveyor’s checklist:

• Check pointing and external render for cracks
• Inspect seals around windows and external doors
• Look at paths and patios, is water flowing away from the property?
• Secure any loose fences, gates, or outdoor fixings before storms arrive

 

Why it matters: Water ingress, wind damage, and cold draughts all begin outside.

 

Want peace of mind before the weather turns? Our team of qualified property surveyors can assess your home and highlight key areas that need attention, before they become a winter headache.

 

Book a property survey with iSurv today, now available in Cork, Galway, Dublin and beyond.