In Scotland’s naturally wet and chilly climate, it is no surprise that our buildings often encounter damage and maintenance issues in the winter. Rain, ice and storms can take its toll on tenement buildings, but there are things you can do to prevent and tackle any damage caused by the weather. This article provides expertise on winter tenement maintenance.
Gutters and pipes
Firstly, it is really important to keep all gutters and pipes in good working order throughout the winter, to prevent water ingress into your building. Throughout autumn, as leaves fall from nearby trees, gutters often get blocked and the water which would normally run through them flows out over the top, causing damage to surrounding stonework. Check the external walls around your gutters for water stains and signs of damp, and work with your fellow owners to organise annual gutter cleaning. Gutters are considered a ‘common’ area of your tenement building, for which all the owners share responsibility, so you will need to work together to maintain them.
Another common winter problem occurs when the water inside pipes freezes, then rapidly expands as it defrosts and bursts the pipes. Burst pipes can cause extensive damage, and so it is crucial to know where the stopcock is in your flat, so you can turn the water off if needed. You should also inform your neighbours about where to find the water key and valve, in case they need to turn off the water supply for the whole building in a similar emergency. You can help to prevent burst pipes by insulating any exposed pipes in your building, which will stop the water inside from freezing.
Draughts
During cold weather, draughts in your property may become more noticeable and uncomfortable to live with. To winter-proof your property, look for signs of draughty spots such as mould, cracks, dampness and cold spots around windows and doors, where cold air may be coming in. Draughts around windows can be easily and cheaply be remedied by replacing your regular curtains with thermal curtains to keep the cold air out. You can use DIY sealing tools to seal cracks and gaps around doors. Both of these solutions are widely available at most hardware shops.
Ventilation
While keeping out draughts is important, it is equally important to ventilate your property during winter, to prevent the build-up of excess moisture. Damp and mould are serious problems, which can damage both your property and your health. The problems they cause can be exacerbated during winter as people spend more time indoors and do not open their windows to let cool air in. Thoroughly clean any mould you find with hot, soapy water, and consider using a mould remover spray. Dry out any damp or mouldy patches by putting your heating on low, opening windows, or running a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.
Empty property
If you are planning to be away over the winter break, there are several things you can do to keep your tenement safe and secure. Your insurance policy may have specific requirements for being on holiday, such as heating the property to a certain temperature, or having a friend or neighbour check on the flat while you are away. Check this with your insurance provider, and put any required measures in place.
You should ensure that all locks, both on your own front door and all the common doors in the building are secure and working correctly. In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that all the owners in the building have adequate buildings insurance, to cover the cost of major repairs or rebuilding. Make sure that you have adequate cover yourself, and exercise your right to ask your neighbours for proof of their buildings insurance too. Remember that your buildings insurance should not cover just the value of your flat, but also your share of common areas such as the roof, close and foundations.
If you are a landlord whose tenants are leaving your property over the festive season, communicate with them about the importance of keeping the flat safe and secure. Talk to them about what to do before they go, and encourage them to inform you or your letting agent about any issues promptly, even over the holidays.
Scotland’s climate can be tough on our buildings, but by using these tips, you can ensure that your property remains in good condition until the spring. Check out Under One Roof’s website for more information on winter-proofing your tenement building.
Under One Roof is Scotland’s tenement charity, providing dedicated information and support to Scotland’s tenement owners and housing professionals on tenement maintenance, management and retrofit.
