Winter in Barnsley means more than just frosty walks in Cannon Hall Country Park, Christmas carols in the Victorian Arcade and spontaneous Terry’s Chocolate Orange purchases at the checkout. It’s also time to review your home maintenance checklist for 2025.

Why bother with a home maintenance checklist? Ticking all your boxes helps prepare your home for the characteristically brisk winds, persistent rain and intermittent snowfall that define South Yorkshire winters. No matter the architectural style of your home, a few well-placed checks now can save you from a cold, and potentially costly, mid-winter crisis.

Whether you’ve got a Georgian terrace, a cosy character cottage, a luxury barn conversion or a detached family home in the countryside, here’s a closer look at what should be on your checklist to keep your property warm, safe, dry and comfortable through the colder months.

Inspect the roof and check for loose tiles

Slate and tile roofs have been popular in South Yorkshire for centuries. They are durable, yes. But just like any other roof, winter weather takes a toll. Loose or missing tiles can let in rain, snow and ice which, if left unchecked, can lead to leaks, mould growth and structural damage.

Every winter home maintenance checklist should include a thorough roof inspection to identify any compromised tiles and repair or replace them before winter really sets in.

Clear out gutters and downspouts

South Yorkshire’s autumn leaves are lovely, but they can clog gutters and downspouts fast. Slow drainage is a nuisance in any season, but in winter it can become even more problematic.

What’s the big deal? An accumulation of leaves, dirt and other matter can cause water to overflow from your gutters and potentially lead to ingress through your walls. It can also put extra strain on your gutters, causing them to crack, sag or even pull away from your roof.

Clearing your gutters and downspouts now will keep water flowing away from your home throughout the wettest season of the year.

Inspect and seal windows and doors

Characterful windows and doors are all part of the charm of older Barnsley homes. They can also be notoriously draught prone. Checking for cold air around windows and doors can make a noticeable difference in how warm and energy-efficient your home feels over winter.

To test for draughts, close all windows and doors and move a lit candle or incense stick around the edges. If the flame or smoke shifts, you could have an air leak.

This one’s an easy fix. Seal gaps with weatherstripping or consider replacing older seals to improve insulation.

Get your heating system serviced

The last thing you want when the temperature drops is a boiler that won’t switch on or radiators that don’t heat up. A well-maintained heating system is crucial in South Yorkshire, where winter temperatures can hover around freezing, especially in the early morning.

Scheduling a service for your boiler or heating system before winter arrives not only helps prevent breakdowns but also improves efficiency and can potentially lower your energy bills. Most professionals recommend annual servicing, so if you missed it last year, now’s the time.

Check your attic insulation and ventilation

Proper attic insulation and ventilation keep the warm air in and the cold air out. If your attic feels cold or you notice uneven temperatures between floors, consider checking the condition and density of your insulation. Adding extra insulation or replacing older materials can make a big difference. It’s also worth clearing out your vents to prevent condensation, which can feed the growth of mould and damp.

Trim overhanging trees and branches

Barnsley’s green spaces and leafy streets are lovely year-round, but trees close to your home can become a hazard in winter. Branches heavy with snow or ice can break and damage roofs, windows or even power lines.

Trimming overhanging branches and clearing dead wood is a smart preventive measure. While you’re at it, consider trimming branches that could dump leaves and debris into your gutters.

Test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

With heating systems running around the clock and windows closed, it’s critical to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts recommend testing alarms monthly and replacing the devices themselves every 10 years.

Prepare outdoor spaces

Winter-proofing isn’t just for the interior. Outdoor steps, walkways and driveways also need attention. Icy surfaces are common in South Yorkshire winters, especially after rainfall freezes overnight. Adding salt or a grit mix to paths can prevent slips and falls, while checking for cracks in the driveway or walkway can help prevent water from pooling and freezing.

Consider covering or storing outdoor furniture and removing garden hoses from taps to avoid burst pipes. A bit of proactive care outdoors can make all the difference when winter weather is in full swing.

Check foundations for leaks or cracks

Older South Yorkshire homes, with their stone or brick foundations, can be vulnerable to water infiltration. Small cracks can worsen over time, especially if water seeps in, freezes and then expands. Inspect your basement or foundation walls for signs of dampness or cracking. Addressing these early on can save you from major repairs come spring.

Stay ahead of winter with a proactive approach

Preparing your Barnsley home for winter is about more than comfort. It’s about safety, energy efficiency and protecting your property. While some of the things on our 2024 home maintenance checklist for winter are DIY-friendly, there’s real value in calling in the experts when it comes to complex or hazardous tasks like roof inspections.

This is where DPR Roofing in Barnsley can help. With over 30 years of experience in South Yorkshire, we know exactly what to look for to winter-proof your home. Whether you need a thorough roof check-up covering all the bases or have already identified an issue and want it fixed ASAP, we’re just a phone call away.

Home Maintenance Checklist for 2025