Preparing Your Maidstone Home for Winter: Builder Tips

Winter in Maidstone often brings cold snaps, heavy rain, and those icy mornings that make you want to stay under the duvet. But for homeowners, it’s also the season when little problems around the house can quickly turn into costly repairs.

The good news is that with a bit of preparation, you can keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient all winter long. At South East Building & Roofing, we’ve put together a full guide of practical tips to help Maidstone residents get their homes ready.

1. Give Your Heating Some Attention

• Boiler service – Book an annual service with a Gas Safe engineer before the temperature drops. It keeps your boiler running efficiently and reduces the chance of a breakdown.

• Bleed radiators – If your radiators are cold at the top but hot at the bottom, they’ve got trapped air. Bleeding them is quick, easy, and makes your heating more effective.

• Check pressure – Your boiler pressure should usually sit between 1–1.5 bar. Too high or too low, and your heating won’t work properly.

Tip: Set a reminder to test your heating before the first really cold spell. That way, you won’t get caught out.

2. Check Your Roof Before the Storms Do

Roofs take a beating in winter. Even one slipped tile or cracked piece of flashing can let in rain, causing damp and leaks.

• Look from the ground for slipped or missing tiles.

• Check flat roofs for pooling water.

• Make sure chimney stacks are secure and mortar isn’t crumbling.

  
  

If you’re unsure, call in a professional roofer like ourselves climbing up yourself isn’t worth the risk.

3. Clear Gutters, Drains & Downpipes

Autumn leaves look pretty, but they wreak havoc on gutters. Blockages cause water to overflow down walls, leading to damp and even foundation problems.

• Scoop out leaves and moss.

• Flush gutters with a hose to check water flows freely.

• Inspect downpipes for cracks or leaks.

  
  

Tip: Fit gutter guards if your property is surrounded by trees to cut down on future blockages.

There are many businesses in Kent that can assist with maintaining your gutters, and we can also replace them if you prefer.

4. Keep the Heat In with Insulation

Heating a draughty or poorly insulated home is like trying to fill a leaky bucket.

• Loft insulation – Aim for at least 270 mm thickness. This can save hundreds on your energy bills.

• Pipe lagging – Insulate exposed pipes to stop them freezing and bursting.

• Hot water tank – A jacket keeps water hotter for longer, reducing wasted energy.

5. Stop Draughts in Their Tracks

Older Maidstone homes often lose a lot of heat through gaps.

• Fit draught strips around doors and windows.

• Use a brush-style excluder for letterboxes.

• Seal gaps around loft hatches and floorboards.

• Heavy curtains and rugs also help rooms feel cosier.

Tip: On a windy day, hold a lit candle near doors and windows — if the flame flickers, you’ve found a draught.

6. Upgrade to Smarter Heating

Installing a smart thermostat means you can control your heating from your phone and only warm the house when you need to. Even lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut bills by up to 10%.

7. Know Your Stopcock

If a pipe bursts, seconds matter. Make sure you know where your stopcock is (usually under the sink or stairs) and check it still turns easily.

Tip: Keep a torch nearby in case you need to reach it quickly in the dark.

8. Prepare for Absences

If you’re heading away for Christmas or a winter break:

• Leave heating on low (around 18°C) to prevent frozen pipes.

• Open loft hatches slightly so warm air can circulate.

• Ask a neighbour to check in if possible.

  
  

9. Look After Brickwork, Paths & Chimneys

• Brickwork – Check pointing and repair cracks to stop moisture seeping in.

• Chimneys – If you use a fire, have your chimney swept to reduce fire risk. If not, consider a chimney balloon to stop heat escaping.

• Paths & steps – Repair cracks and uneven surfaces to prevent slips when it’s icy.

If you need, we can inspect your brickwork for you.

10. Small Hacks That Make a Big Difference

• Reflector panels behind radiators push more heat into your rooms.

• Rearrange furniture – don’t block radiators with sofas or curtains.

• Use door stops to keep warm air where you need it.

• Invest in a draft-proof letterbox – it’s surprising how much heat escapes through there.

Why Maidstone Homes Need Extra Care

Many homes in Maidstone, from Victorian terraces to countryside cottages, have character features but also quirks, like single-brick walls, older roofs, or draughty sash windows. Preparing them properly for winter protects their charm while keeping you comfortable and saving on bills.

How We Can Help

At SE building & roofing, we’re local builders based right here in Maidstone. We know exactly what Kent homes face during the winter months and can help with:

• Roofing inspections & repairs

• Gutter clearing & replacement

• Loft insulation and general home maintenance

• Brickwork repairs and repointing

  
  

If you’d like a hand getting your home winter-ready, get in touch with us here.