7 tips for protecting period homes from increased risk of damp during autumn and winter

We hate to say this, but summer doesn’t long and your beautiful period property may be at increased risk of damp problems during autumn and winter. We know how much you love and respect the immense charm and historical value or your home, with it’s craftsmanship, architectural features, and character, it’s simply irreplaceable. But as the weather turns colder and wetter, these properties can be particularly vulnerable to damp problems, which not only threaten the building fabric but also compromise long-term financial value.

At Property Conservation, we understand how important it is to protect your home for future generations while maintaining its historic integrity. Here are some essential tips for safeguarding your period property against damp during the coming colder months.

1. Understand your building’s ventilation

Older buildings were designed to ‘breathe’. Unlike modern homes, period properties may use lime-based mortars, renders, and plasters, have wooden window frames and suspended floors, all of which allow moisture to evaporate naturally. Using modern, impermeable materials during renovation, extension or improvement can trap moisture, leading to condensation, rot, and mould. To ensure you maitain good ventilation during the colder months get any repairs or renovations done with breathable materials to support the original structure.

2. Check for blocked gutters and downpipes

Falling leaves and autumn debris can quickly block gutters and downpipes, causing water to overflow onto exterior walls. In period homes with older bricks or stonework, prolonged saturation can lead to significant damage. Inspect and clean all drainage systems regularly to prevent water ingress during heavy rainfall.

3. Inspect roofs and chimneys

Slipped slates, cracked flashing, and degraded pointing around chimneys are common weak spots in older roofs. These vulnerabilities can allow rainwater to seep into loft spaces and down into walls. A pre-winter inspection by a qualified contractor can catch these issues early, protecting both the structure and your investment.

4. Manage ground-level drainage

Many period homes lack modern damp-proof courses and rely on effective ground drainage to remain dry. Ensure ground levels around your home don’t slope toward the building, and avoid piled-up soil, paving, or garden features that sit against external walls or blovk air bricks. French drains or land drains may be a suitable option to improve water flow away from the house.

5. Address internal condensation

While external moisture is a concern, internal condensation is equally problematic in the colder months. Period homes are often poorly ventilated by modern standards, so it’s essential to ensure adequate airflow particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Installing discreet ventilation systems or using vapour-permeable insulation such as IsoTherm can help balance humidity without compromising the building’s character.

6. Schedule preventative maintenance

Proactive care is always more cost-effective than repair. A simple maintenance plan that includes roof inspections, drain clearing and interior humidity checks, can prevent more invasive and expensive interventions later. Working with professionals who specialise in heritage buildings including period property an dlisted buildings ensures your property is treated with the respect and technical expertise it deserves.

7. Get a free professional damp survey

Misdiagnosing damp in period properties can lead to inappropriate treatments and long-term damage. At Property Conservation, we carry out systematic, industry-standard damp assessments to identify the root cause of issues, not just the symptoms. Our work is backed by 10-year guarantees on specialist waterproof membranes and lime-based plastering systems, giving peace of mind and proven protection.

Preserve the Past, Protect the Future

Investing in your period home is about more than aesthetics, it’s about honouring the past and safeguarding your legacy. This autumn and winter, let Property Conservation help you keep your home dry, stable, and ready to withstand the changing seasons.