Common Building Defects to Look Out For in Winter

The winter months bring long, dark nights, a considerable drop in temperature and extreme weather like ice, snow and heavy rain. These harsh conditions can cause havoc with both the interior and exterior of your home and you may find that you need to pay extra attention to your household.

Some issues are minor, but winter conditions can also lead to more serious problems like burst pipes. See below to find out more about some common building defects to look out for and the steps you can take to prevent them from recurring.

Damp and mould

Cold, damp winter weather creates the ideal conditions for mould to thrive and one survey found that it’s an issue for 56% of homes during the colder months. You might be able to deal with mild cases yourself (you can scrub off the mould with a cloth and warm water), but it will keep coming back unless you identify the underlying source of damp.

A building defect survey can help you identify the root cause, but in the meantime, ensure your home is well ventilated and open a window when showering, cooking or drying washing.

Peeling paint

Peeling paint looks unsightly and it can also be a precursor to damp and mould entering your home. Again, sufficient ventilation will help to prevent paint from peeling, as will proper insulation. It’s also a good idea to choose anti-damp paint for areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

Burst pipes

Water expands when it freezes, so your pipes are at risk of being put under pressure if the temperatures drop dramatically. Burst pipes are a serious issue and can cause significant water damage to your home, so call an emergency plumber straight away. You can help reduce the chances of pipes bursting by sealing any draughts, fixing dripping taps and setting your heating to come on at regular intervals if you go on holiday.

If you’ve noticed any of the above problems with your home, get in touch with the experts at Simon Levy for a building defect diagnosis. Our experts have years of expertise in the field and are able to swiftly identify the root cause of a range of problems, including damp, condensation, mould and structural movement. For more information, give us a call today or contact us via our website for a free quote.