Somerset winters bring their own particular challenges. Heavy rainfall, persistent damp, flooding risk on the Levels, and months of leaf fall all take their toll on your property's exterior. A bit of preparation before the worst of the weather arrives can save you significant expense and hassle later. Here's a practical checklist for getting your home ready.
1. Clear Your Gutters
This is the single most important job on the list. Somerset's heavy autumn leaf fall — particularly from the oaks, willows, and ash trees common across the county — clogs gutters quickly from October onwards. Once they're blocked, rainwater overflows down your walls, pooling at the base of your property. In a wet Somerset winter, that means persistent damp, potential foundation issues, and staining on exterior walls.
Ideally, get your gutters cleared in late November after the bulk of the leaves have fallen, but before the heaviest winter rains set in from December through February. If your property is surrounded by trees, a second clear in early spring catches anything that's built up over winter.
2. Check for Algae and Moss on Render
Somerset's damp climate is ideal for algae and moss growth, particularly on north-facing walls and shaded areas. Green or black staining on rendered walls isn't just unsightly — it retains moisture against the surface, which can penetrate over time and cause damp problems internally. Render cleaning before winter removes this biological growth and gives your walls the best chance of staying dry through the wet months.
3. Clean Your Conservatory Roof
Conservatory roofs collect leaves, moss, bird droppings, and general grime throughout autumn. Left over winter, this debris sits in damp conditions for months, encouraging algae growth and potentially blocking drainage channels. A polycarbonate roof can become permanently stained if organic matter is left on it too long. Glass roofs fare better but still benefit from a thorough clean before winter to maximise light during the shortest, darkest months.
4. Inspect Window Seals
Before the cold sets in, check the rubber seals around your windows. Look for cracks, gaps, or sections that have pulled away from the frame. Failed seals let in draughts and, worse, moisture. Condensation between double-glazed panes is a sure sign of seal failure. Catching this early means you can get individual sealed units replaced rather than entire window frames — a significant cost saving.
Regular window cleaning actually helps here, as your cleaner can spot early signs of seal deterioration during routine visits.
5. Clean Fascias and Soffits
The fascia boards and soffits around your roofline collect dirt, algae, and cobwebs throughout the year. Cleaning them before winter removes organic matter that holds moisture against the surface. For uPVC fascias, this prevents the yellowing and staining that becomes permanent if left too long. For painted timber fascias, it gives you a chance to spot any areas where paint is flaking and wood is becoming exposed — problems that worsen rapidly in wet, freezing conditions.
Somerset-Specific Considerations
Living in Somerset adds a few extra factors to your winter preparation:
- Flooding risk on the Levels — Properties on or near the Somerset Levels should ensure all drainage is clear and functioning before winter. Blocked gutters and downpipes compound the risk during high-water events.
- Heavy autumn leaf fall — The county's mix of mature deciduous woodland and hedgerow trees means leaf fall is heavy and prolonged, often lasting from September well into December. Plan gutter clearing accordingly.
- Persistent damp climate — Somerset's relatively mild, wet winters mean moisture is a constant rather than a seasonal problem. Algae and moss grow year-round here, making regular exterior cleaning more important than in drier parts of the country.
- Rural properties — Farms, cottages, and rural homes often have more exposure to agricultural dust, mud splash from lanes, and organic debris. These properties benefit from a more thorough pre-winter clean.
Your Winter Preparation Checklist
- Clear gutters of leaves and debris
- Check downpipes for blockages (pour water in from the top)
- Inspect render for algae or moss — clean if needed
- Clean conservatory roof and clear drainage channels
- Inspect window seals for cracks or gaps
- Clean fascias and soffits
- Clear exterior drains and gullies of leaves
- Touch up any exterior timber paintwork before frost
Getting ahead of winter saves money and stress. Most of these jobs are straightforward, and the ones that aren't — gutter clearing at height, conservatory roof cleaning, render washing — are exactly the kind of work a professional exterior cleaning service handles routinely. The key is not to leave it until January when the damage is already being done.