Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips for London Residents

Gutter and Downspout Inspection

Clogged gutters are vulnerable to leaf congestion and debris accumulation as trees shed foliage in autumn around most London and neighbourhoods.

Strain from rainwater, freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and other winter precipitation can damage gutters compromised by excessive debris build-up.

Thorough cleaning prevents blockage issues leading to ice dams, water runoff damage and flooded basements. Assess drainage setups and extend downspouts accordingly ensuring optimal runoff redirection from the home’s foundation.

**Example:

A Local handyman performing seasonal maintenance for a resident of Wandsworth examines the gutters surrounding the multi-level home.

Dense trees surround the property, making the seamless gutters and attached downspouts vulnerable to congestion issues, potential mould, leaks, and water damage.

Local handyman from Growchance clears all debris in preparation for coming months before winter weather arrives, preserving gutter integrity.

Draught Identification & Resolution

Identifying and resolving even minor draught issues in autumn saves hundreds of dollars in preventable heat loss all winter long.

Inspect windows/doors for failed seals by using methods like candle or paper tests to check for air gaps needing sealing.

Update weatherstripping around leakage points. Use caulking/insulation where needed to further air seal the building envelope/exterior facing surfaces prone to infiltration issues. Prioritise insulation upgrades in attics/crawl spaces.

**Example:

A family in Lambeth with a draftee, cold living room each winter despite keeping the thermostat consistently high. A local handyman performs an inspection, identifying failing seals around two large front-facing bay windows allowing air infiltration.

The handyman adds insulation, replaces the window seals with compression alternatives and seals all access points enabling air to bypass the protective barrier.

Heat is now fully retained in the problem room.

Heating System Service

Heating systems endure exceptional strain over winter in London, often operating at maximum capacity for months at a time in especially cold zones in London and around.

Neglecting furnace services and key maintenance before this peak season is risky.

Schedule inspection and maintenance to ensure your system is contamination/debris-free and functional. Replace filters, assess fuel levels, check control settings, clear surrounding vents, test emergency shutoffs, evaluate performance and identify potential early issues.

Prior maintenance corrects problems and avoids system failure when heating is needed most.

Consider upgrades if faced with repeat repairs signalling imminent demise of an aged furnace.

**Example:

A High Barnet resident still relying on the original inefficient furnace dating back to the early 1990’s takes a proactive maintenance approach before winter.

A certified HVAC technician cleans the furnace and replaces the air filter to promote optimal airflow.

The gas burner is recalibrated for increased efficiency and carbon monoxide output measured to confirm safe operation within normal ranges.

Though still functional for now, the system’s age inspires the homeowner to budget for upgrades to more sustainable high efficiency alternatives in coming years.

Tree Pruning & Trimming 

Autumn pruning when trees enter dormancy trims away dead branches and clears excess foliage congestion preventing optimal sun exposure come spring.

Strategic branch removal also maintains desired structural aesthetics and growth direction patterns of maturing trees and shrubs. An added benefit of proactive pruning?

Reducing the risk of wind/weather damage. Eliminate cracking/toppling hazard branches precariously extending over roofing or other infrastructure prone to gutter debris blockages.

Carefully remove hazardous sections to sustain the health, safety, and vigour of trees on your property.

**Example:

A tall oak tree in a Hampstead Garden leaves residents anxious about the risk of heavy snow-laden branches toppling onto their roof or vehicles when harsh winter weather hits.

The accumulating leaves and debris pose an additional nuisance. A professional arborist inspects the towering oak, identifying clusters of damaged limbs high up in the canopy extending over critical infrastructure as prime removal candidates to prevent threats of collapse.

The arborist prunes these hazardous branches and clears excess interior density allowing improved sunlight, airflow and ongoing ingress/egress should future repairs ever be required.

The selective trimming restores tree stability.