Preparing Your London Home for Winter: Roof and Exterior Checklist

London winters aren’t about snow. They’re about persistent rain, freezing nights after wet days, and wind that tests every weak point in your home’s exterior.

We’ve been working on London roofs for over 20 years. Every November, we get the same emergency calls: gutters overflowing, tiles blown off in storms, water pouring into lofts. Most of these problems could have been prevented with an afternoon’s preparation.

Here’s your complete autumn checklist to get your roof and exterior winter-ready before the temperature drops.

Why November Matters

London’s wettest months run from October through January. Average rainfall: 55mm to 65mm per month. That’s roughly 2,200 litres of water hitting a typical terraced house roof every winter month.

What happens when that water finds a weak point:

• One cracked tile leads to saturated insulation
• Blocked gutters overflow into wall cavities
• Frozen water in mortar joints expands and causes spalling
• Damp timber promotes rot that spreads through roof structure

October and November are your window to fix problems before they become expensive.

Your 60-Minute External Inspection

You don’t need to be a roofer to spot warning signs. Grab binoculars, a ladder (if you’re confident), and a notepad. Here’s what to check.

From Ground Level (15 minutes)

Walk around your entire property. Look up, not just forward.

Roof:

• Missing or slipped tiles/slates
• Sagging roofline
• Moss buildup (heavy growth holds moisture)
• Visible daylight through gaps
• Damaged ridge tiles

Chimneys:

• Leaning stacks
• Crumbling mortar between bricks
• Missing or cracked chimney pots
• Flashing pulling away from brickwork

Gutters:

• Plants growing out (means years of blockage)
• Visible sag or pulling away from fascia
• Rust holes in cast iron systems
• Overflowing stains on walls below

Close-Up Inspection (30 minutes)

If you’re comfortable on a ladder, check your gutters properly. Don’t go on the roof yourself.

Inside gutters:

1. Scoop out all leaves, moss, and debris
2. Check for cracks or holes
3. Test downpipe flow with a bucket of water
4. Look for rust in metal gutters
5. Examine brackets (are they secure?)

From ladder height:

• Inspect fascia boards for rot
• Check soffit ventilation isn’t blocked
• Look at tile/slate condition up close
• Examine flashing around chimney base

Inside Your Loft (15 minutes)

Most people never go up here. That’s a mistake.

What to look for:

• Daylight visible through roof (shouldn’t be any)
• Water stains on underside of felt
• Damp or wet insulation
• Condensation on timber
• Signs of previous leaks (tide marks)
• Rodent droppings or nests

If you spot water stains, mark them with chalk and check again after heavy rain. Active leaks need immediate attention.

Priority Repairs: What Needs Doing Before December

Not everything is urgent. Here’s how to prioritize.

Rule of thumb: Anything involving water ingress is urgent. Cosmetic issues can wait until spring.

The London Gutter Problem

London plane trees. Beautiful. Terrible for gutters.

Autumn leaf fall in London blocks more gutters than anywhere else in the UK. Add in moss from damp conditions, and you’ve got a perfect storm for overflow problems.

Clear Your Gutters: Step-by-Step

You’ll need:

• Sturdy ladder
• Work gloves
• Bucket or bag
• Garden trowel
• Hose or bucket of water

The process:

1. Safety first: Ladder on firm, level ground. Someone should know you’re up there.

2. Remove debris: Start at the downpipe. Scoop out leaves, moss, silt. Don’t push it into the downpipe.

3. Check downpipes: Drop a small stone down. Should hear it hit the drain immediately. If not, it’s blocked.

4. Unblock downpipes: Use a plumber’s snake or stiff wire. For serious blockages, disconnect the pipe at the bottom.

5. Flush the system: Run water through gutters. Should flow freely to downpipe and away. Pooling water means incorrect fall or sagging.

6. Inspect while you’re up there: Check brackets are tight, look for cracks, examine seals at joints.

Can’t do it yourself? We offer gutter clearance and inspection as a standalone service. Takes us about an hour for a typical terrace, includes water testing to ensure proper drainage.

Flat Roof Preparation (If You Have One)

Flat roofs on rear extensions, porches, and dormer conversions are vulnerable points. They need checking every autumn.

Quick Flat Roof Assessment

Good signs:

• No pooling water after rain
• No cracks or blisters in surface
• Edges properly sealed
• No green algae growth

Warning signs:

• Standing water 24 hours after rain
• Cracks or splits in membrane
• Bubbling or blistering
• Felt lifting at edges
• Previous patch repairs failing

Our Thermal Imaging Service

We use thermal cameras to spot problems invisible to the naked eye. Cold spots show where water has penetrated the roof structure. Caught early, we can patch or repair. Left until spring, you’re looking at full replacement.

How it works:

• Non-invasive scan from inside and out
• Identifies moisture trapped in roof structure
• Shows exact location of leaks
• Helps decide: repair or replace?

Cost: £150-250 depending on roof size. Often saves thousands by catching problems early.

Heritage and Period Property Considerations

Victorian and Georgian properties need different preparation. Modern approaches can cause long-term damage.

What’s Different About Period Properties?

Old buildings were designed to “breathe”. They manage moisture through evaporation, not membranes. Using modern materials blocks this process and traps damp.

Common mistakes we see:

• Cement mortar repointing (should be lime)
• Cement fillets around chimneys (should be lead)
• Silicone sealant on stonework (prevents breathing)
• UPVC replacement gutters (should be cast iron in conservation areas)

Period Property Checklist

Planning considerations: If you’re in a conservation area or your property is listed, some repairs need consent. We’re experienced in working within these requirements and can advise on what needs approval.

Emergency Preparation: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

Winter storms don’t arrive on schedule. Here’s how to minimize damage when the worst happens.

Your Emergency Kit

Keep these accessible:

• Heavy-duty tarpaulin (at least 3m x 3m)
• Rope or bungee cords (for securing tarp)
• Buckets (multiple sizes)
• Towels and plastic sheeting
• Our emergency number: [Insert BA emergency number]
• Head torch (power cuts during storms)
• Duct tape (temporary fixes)

Damage Control: First Actions

Roof tile blown off:

1. Don’t climb up in wind or rain
2. Place bucket under leak in loft if possible
3. Cover furniture below with plastic
4. Call us for emergency temporary repairs
5. Take photos for insurance

Gutter torn off:

1. Move anything valuable away from that wall
2. Don’t attempt repairs in high winds
3. Note the damage with photos
4. Call for emergency reattachment

Water pouring into room:

1. Turn off electricity in that area if safe
2. Move furniture and belongings
3. Contain water with buckets and towels
4. Try to locate source (loft, chimney, flashing)
5. Call emergency roofing service

Remember: Your safety comes first. Never go on a roof in bad weather. Never work at height alone.

Our November Maintenance Service

Rather than doing this yourself, we offer comprehensive winter preparation inspections.

What’s Included (From £180)

Standard inspection covers:

• Full external roof inspection from height
• Gutter clearance and testing
• Downpipe flow testing
• Chimney and flashing check
• Minor repairs (refix loose tiles, secure flashing)
• Written report with photos
• Priority recommendations
• Quote for any major work needed

Premium inspection adds:

• Loft space inspection
• Thermal imaging (flat roofs)
• Repointing assessment
• Timber condition check
• Full documented report

Emergency call-out cover: Add winter emergency cover: if something goes wrong between November and March, we prioritize your call and provide temporary weatherproofing within 4 hours.

The Maintenance Calendar

Don’t just prepare once. Here’s what to do throughout winter.

November

• [ ] Complete full external inspection
• [ ] Clear all gutters and downpipes
• [ ] Repair any loose or damaged tiles
• [ ] Check and repair pointing if needed
• [ ] Test flat roof drainage
• [ ] Trim overhanging tree branches

December

• [ ] After first storm: visual check for damage
• [ ] Keep gutters clear of leaves (ongoing)
• [ ] Check loft after heavy rain

January

• [ ] Mid-winter inspection (quick visual check)
• [ ] Clear any snow from flat roofs if significant accumulation
• [ ] Check gutters aren’t frozen

February

• [ ] After winter storms: detailed damage check
• [ ] Note any issues for March repairs
• [ ] Check for frost damage to mortar

March

• [ ] Final winter damage assessment
• [ ] Book any repairs needed before spring
• [ ] Clear gutters of winter debris

London-Specific Issues

Working exclusively in London, we see problems specific to the capital.

The Urban Heat Island Effect

Central London is 3-5°C warmer than surrounding areas. Sounds good, but it means:

• More freeze-thaw cycles at roof level
• Increased condensation in loft spaces
• Faster moss and algae growth
• Greater thermal stress on materials

Solution: Better loft ventilation and more frequent inspections in inner London postcodes.

Victorian Terrace Vulnerabilities

85% of our winter emergency calls come from Victorian terraces. Why?

1. Party wall issues: Problems in next door’s roof affect yours
2. Original materials: 120+ year old tiles approaching end of life
3. Shallow roof pitch: Water sits longer, finds weak points
4. Poor modifications: Bodged extensions and loft conversions
5. Hidden valleys: Internal gutters between roofs are leak prone

If you own a Victorian terrace: Pay special attention to party wall flashings and internal valley gutters. These are the first points of failure.

Conservation Area Restrictions

Large parts of London are conservation areas. This affects what you can do.

Typical restrictions:

• Original slate must be retained/matched
• Cast iron gutters required (plastic not permitted)
• Lead flashing required (not modern alternatives)
• Planning consent for roof alterations

We’re experienced in working within these constraints and can advise on what’s permitted.

When to Call Professionals

Some jobs look simple but aren’t. Here’s when to call us instead of DIYing.

Always Call Professionals For:

Height work:

• Anything above ground floor level
• Chimney work
• Ridge tile repairs
• Roof walking required

Specialist skills:

• Lead flashing installation or repair
• Structural timber work
• Repointing chimneys
• Flat roof repairs

Hidden problems:

• Leak source unclear
• Water stains but no obvious entry point
• Damp appearing without explanation

Safe for Competent DIYers:

Low risk tasks:

• Clearing ground-level gutters
• Painting fascias and soffits
• Minor fence repairs
• Repointing at ground level (if you know how)

Important: If you’re not confident, don’t do it. Falls from height are the most common cause of serious DIY injuries.

Cost Guide: What to Budget

Preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s realistic pricing for common work.

Typical London Prices (2024/25)

Inspection and clearance:

• Gutter clearance (terraced house): £100-150
• Comprehensive inspection: £180-250
• Thermal imaging assessment: £150-250

Minor repairs:

• Replace individual tiles/slates: £180-250 (up to 5 tiles)
• Re-bed ridge tiles: £300-500 (per section)
• Minor flashing repair: £250-400
• Gutter bracket replacement: £150-250

Significant work:

• Chimney repointing: £800-1,500
• Replace lead flashing: £600-1,200
• Full gutter replacement: £800-1,800 (terraced house)
• Flat roof repairs: £400-1,000
• Minor roof repairs: £500-1,200

Emergency callouts:

• Emergency attendance: £150-200 (plus materials and work)
• Temporary weatherproofing: £200-400
• Storm damage repairs: £300-800+

Value of prevention: Clearing gutters costs £120. Repairing water damage to internal walls from overflow costs £2,000+. The maths is simple.

Your November Action Plan

Realistically, you’re busy. Here’s the minimum you should do.

Essential (Do This Weekend)

1 hour of work:

1. Walk around property, look up
2. Note any obvious damage
3. Clear gutters if accessible
4. Check loft for leaks
5. Book professional inspection if you found problems

Recommended (Before End of November)

Professional inspection:

• Book our winter preparation service
• Address urgent repairs identified
• Get quotes for non-urgent work
• Plan March repairs

Optional but Worthwhile

Ongoing maintenance:

• Sign up for annual inspection contract
• Add emergency callout cover
• Schedule spring follow-up now

Why We See More Winter Damage in London

London gets more winter roofing damage than most UK cities. Here’s why.

Statistical reality:

• 15-20% more emergency calls than national average
• 60% of annual leaks occur November-February
• Victorian terraces 3x more vulnerable than modern homes
• Flat roofs on extensions account for 40% of winter problems

Contributing factors:

1. Property age: London housing stock is older than UK average
2. Tree coverage: Established London plane trees mean more gutter blockages
3. Weather patterns: Persistent rain rather than brief downpours
4. Freeze-thaw cycles: Temperatures hovering around zero cause most damage
5. Deferred maintenance: London homeowners often delay repairs due to cost

Good news: All of this is preventable with proper preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

“How often should gutters be cleared?”

London properties: minimum twice yearly (late October and late March). Properties near mature trees: three times yearly. We recommend adding a mid-winter check in January.

“Can I leave moss on my roof?”

Light moss is cosmetic. Heavy moss buildup retains moisture and damages tiles. If you can see thick moss from ground level, it needs clearing. Never power wash tiles yourself (damages surface, displaces tiles).

“Is one missing tile urgent?”

Yes. One tile leads to water ingress, which leads to structural damage. A £200 repair becomes £2,000+ within a few months. We can usually fix individual tiles within a day.

“How do I know if my flat roof needs replacing?”

Three signs: standing water that won’t drain, visible cracks or blisters, or the roof is over 20 years old. Our thermal imaging service (£150-250) shows hidden damage and helps you decide.

“Should I do repairs myself?”

Gutter clearing at ground level: yes, if you’re confident. Anything involving height, structural work, or specialist materials (lead, repointing): no. Falls from height cause serious injuries. Pay the £200 for professional work.

“When is it too late to book winter preparation?”

Ideally by end of November. We’re usually fully booked December-January with emergency work. Book October if possible for your choice of date.

Get Your Property Winter-Ready

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Prevention is always cheaper than emergency repairs.

Book Your Winter Inspection

We’re taking bookings now for November inspections. Our calendar fills quickly as autumn arrives.

What happens next:

1. Call or email to book your slot
2. We’ll visit at a convenient time
3. Comprehensive inspection takes 60-90 minutes
4. You get a written report same day
5. We quote any work needed
6. Emergency repairs done immediately if critical

Contact us:

• Phone: 0203 740 3788
• Email: bernardandrewsroofing@yahoo.com
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Emergency Service

Already got a problem? We attend most London emergencies within 4 hours. We carry materials for temporary weatherproofing and can often complete permanent repairs same day.

Available 24/7 for genuine emergencies:

• Water actively entering property
• Tiles blown off during storm
• Structural damage to roof
• Gutter torn off in high winds

Final Thought

We’ve repaired hundreds of winter storm damage jobs that cost homeowners thousands in emergency repairs and internal damage.

Almost all of them could have been prevented with a £120 gutter clearance and a £200 tile replacement.

Your choice: spend an afternoon and £200 in November, or spend £3,000 fixing damage in January.

London winters are predictable. Be prepared.