KEIGHLEY-district householders are being urged to prepare their property for winter.

Trade body the Property Care Association says now is the time to carry out simple steps to help guard against problems during the coming months.

It issued the message ahead of Maintenance Week, which starts on November 19.

Steve Hodgson, for the association, said: “Steps taken now to prevent and protect against damp, care for timber and consider ventilation will make homes healthier and stop small concerns escalating into bigger issues in harsher weather conditions.”

Advice includes:

* Keep your property effectively ventilated

* Check that trickle vents, above windows, are free of debris to maintain air flow

* Ensure that external woodwork is coated with a protective finish

* A common cause of damp is water entering the home around the chimney stack. Make sure chimney flashings are properly sealed

* Ensure any cracked or slipped tiles are dealt with

* Gutters and downpipes should be properly maintained. Even a small blockage can cause problems

* Check that pointing and rendering is in good condition. If damaged, it can allow water into the building.