10 checks to make now to prepare your listed home for winter

1. Take a closer look at the roof

Historic roofs can be one of a listed building’s most distinctive features, whether yours is finished in slate, clay tiles, stone or thatch.

From ground level, look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles and slates, along with anything that appears to have moved around ridges, valleys, flashing or chimneys. Even a relatively small defect can provide an opportunity for wind-driven rain to find its way inside.

Don’t overlook flat roofs either. They can be found on listed properties, particularly where extensions or other parts of the building meet an existing historic roof. Check these areas for signs of deterioration or water collecting, and pay particular attention to the junctions with the original roof where water could find its way in.

If repairs are needed, remember that the material and method used can matter in a listed property. Replacing historic materials with modern alternatives may not be appropriate and, depending on the work involved, listed building consent could be required.

2. Clear gutters, hoppers and downpipes

Blocked or leaking gutters can allow water to run repeatedly down historic masonry, brickwork or render, contributing to damp and deterioration.

Leaves and moss can quickly accumulate during autumn, so check gutters, hoppers, downpipes and drains and look for signs of overflowing water or staining on the walls below.

For period properties with original or traditional cast-iron rainwater goods, it’s also worth looking out for cracks, corrosion or failing joints.

4. Check exposed pipes and little-used areas

Listed homes can have complex layouts, later additions, outbuildings, cellars, roof spaces and rooms that aren’t used every day. That can leave sections of pipework particularly vulnerable when temperatures fall.

Check exposed pipes and colder parts of the property before winter and make sure you know where the water supply can be turned off in an emergency.

If you’re going away during winter, also consider how the house and its heating will be managed while it’s unoccupied.

5. Give historic windows and doors some attention

Original sash windows, timber frames and historic doors contribute a huge amount to the character of a listed home, but autumn is a good time to spot areas that need some care.

Look for deteriorating paintwork, damaged putty, decaying timber, loose panes and areas where rainwater may be collecting.

Don’t assume draughty means defective, either. If improvements are needed, sympathetic repair can often be preferable to replacing original features, and alterations to listed windows and doors need to be considered carefully.

7. See how your property behaves in heavy rain

You can learn a surprising amount about an old house by walking around it while it’s raining.

Look at where water collects, how quickly drains clear and whether water is being directed towards or away from the building. Check lower ground levels, basement areas, lightwells and any parts of the house where you’ve previously noticed damp.

Rather than trying to make an old building completely watertight, the priority is understanding how water moves around it and spotting anything that has changed.

8. Check trees, walls and historic features outside

The setting can be just as individual as the listed home itself. Mature trees, boundary walls, gates and outbuildings can all be vulnerable to severe winter weather.

Look for damaged branches, loose masonry and anything that appears unstable before high winds arrive.

Take particular care before carrying out work. Walls, gates, railings and outbuildings may sometimes form part of a property’s listed status or historic significance and trees may be included in Tree Protection Orders.

9. Review security without compromising character

Older properties can present some unusual security considerations, particularly where original doors, windows and locks remain.

As the evenings get darker, check that doors, windows, gates, external lighting and any existing alarm or security systems are working as expected.

If improvements are needed, they should be considered with the character of the building in mind and also obtaining listed building consent where required. A listed home shouldn’t necessarily have to choose between protecting its heritage and protecting the property, but the right solution may require a little more thought.

10. Make sure your insurance understands what makes your home different

Finally, winter is a useful prompt to check that your buildings insurance still reflects the property you own.

With a listed home, rebuilding isn’t simply about putting back four walls and a roof. Following significant damage, restoration could involve specialist craftspeople, traditional construction techniques and materials chosen to match the historic building.

That’s also why a home’s market value shouldn’t be treated as its rebuild cost. If you’ve made significant changes to the property, added buildings or haven’t reviewed the rebuild figure for some time, it’s worth making sure the sum insured remains appropriate.

For further information on rebuild figures, please read our article: Rebuild costs for listed homes in 2026: Why one size doesn’t fit all

Protecting what makes your home special

At Abode, we understand that listed homes aren’t simply standard properties with a historic label attached. Their materials, construction and individual features can all influence what it takes to repair or restore them.

A little preparation now can help protect not only your home this winter, but the character that makes it worth protecting in the first place.

The specialist team at Abode are happy to give insurance advice or a quote. Call us today on 01622 476 433.