Review previous water ingress, blocked drainage, heating interruptions and access problems before setting the inspection scope. Record actual locations and defects so the seasonal programme responds to this site’s history rather than reproducing a generic list.
1. Check the building envelope and rainwater routes
Arrange appropriate examination of roofs, flashings, rainwater goods and drainage routes. Capture damage, overflow evidence, obstructions and specialist access needs. Distinguish clearance from repair: a blocked gutter and a failed joint can require separate instructions.
Roof condition and leaves in guttering feature in the Met Office’s winter property preparation advice. High-level work requires suitable contractors and safe access. The inspection schedule must not be treated as authority for building users to climb onto roofs.
2. Review heating and vulnerable pipework
Review service records, unresolved heating faults and operating times before higher seasonal demand. Identify vacant areas and pipework or equipment exposed to cold, then obtain technical input on protection and appropriate settings.
Establish the route for reporting leaks or loss of heat and make equipment records available. Plan holiday settings around the requirements of the premises; blanket shutdown of every system is not a substitute for that review.
3. Plan pedestrian and vehicle access
Map entrances, slopes, steps, delivery points and areas of standing water. Check lighting and arrange attention to defects whose visibility becomes worse as daylight hours shorten.
Where snow or ice treatment is required, specify coverage, materials, attendance triggers and responsibility. Include route checks and communication of restrictions. Stock held on site is only one part of an arrangement that also needs an agreed person and timing.
4. Prepare external areas and weather checks
Check the position on damaged boundaries, loose external items and vegetation concerns. Commission specialist assessment where needed and plan resulting work before adverse weather makes access more difficult.
Assign forecast monitoring, warning review and post-weather checks of exposed areas. Specify how damage is reported and ensure checks use safe vantage points. An immediate hazard needs the appropriate response rather than deferral to the next scheduled attendance.
5. Confirm closure and escalation arrangements
Before reduced occupancy or holiday closure, confirm access contacts, decision authority and the agreed contractor reporting process. Keep essential service records and the current defect position accessible to those managing the building.
Show which tasks are closed, which remain open and what interim controls or arrangements apply. Photographs and service or inspection records should name the location or equipment to which they relate.
Common questions
When should winter preparation start?
Work backwards from the conditions being prepared for, allowing investigation, procurement and repair time. Site history and access needs determine when the programme must start.
Does a winter visit include gritting?
Only if the instruction includes it. Defined coverage and response arrangements for gritting are separate from the scope of a routine seasonal inspection.
Does clearing gutters resolve every leak?
No. Removing obstructions does not repair damaged joints or roof coverings. Keep recurrent water entry visible as a separate defect requiring investigation or repair.
Related work and guidance
Connect Seasonal Maintenance with Roofing, Grounds and External Maintenance and Minor Works. Review maintenance frequency decisions or submit a winter programme brief for the premises.
