After the Storm: How to Prepare Your French Home for Winter Weather

After the Storm: How to Prepare Your French Home for Winter Weather

A practical guide to getting your French home ready for winter. Learn how to secure your property, protect pipes, and reduce heating costs before the next storm.

With autumn storms sweeping across France and winter on the horizon, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for whatever the season brings. From strong winds and heavy rain to occasional snow and frost, taking a few simple precautions can protect your property, save money, and help you avoid costly damage later on.

Here’s a practical guide to securing your home, garden, and outbuildings — so you can face the colder months with confidence.

1. Check Your Roof and Gutters

Start from the top. Missing tiles, loose ridge caps, or blocked gutters are common sources of leaks after a storm. Inspect the roof for visible damage and clear out any debris from gutters and downpipes. If you can’t safely check it yourself, consider hiring a local roofer for a quick inspection — many offer affordable “forfait hiver” (winter packages) in rural areas.

Keeping water flowing freely away from the roof and walls prevents damp spots and mould, two of the most frequent winter problems in older French homes.

2. Inspect Windows, Doors, and Insulation

Draughty windows and doors can cause your heating bills to soar. Check seals, hinges, and frames for gaps where warm air escapes. Simple solutions like adhesive weatherstripping or heavy curtains can make a noticeable difference.

If you live in an older stone house, consider adding thermal curtains or even a temporary layer of plastic film insulation. They can reduce heat loss by up to 30%, according to the Agence de la Transition Écologique (ADEME).

3. Secure Outdoor Areas

French gardens often double as mini farms — with greenhouses, sheds, and chicken coops that can all take a beating in high winds. After a storm, walk around and check that everything is firmly anchored. Close shutters, secure loose fencing, and put away lightweight furniture.

Branches from overhanging trees should be trimmed to avoid damage to roofs or power lines. If your neighbour’s trees encroach on your property, the French Civil Code allows you to request trimming — but only by them, not you, without consent. Related reading: Branches, Hedges and Brambles… What Should You Do if Your Neighbour’s Plants Encroach on Your Property?

4. Protect Pipes and Water Systems

Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage. Before temperatures drop, insulate any exposed pipes, especially in garages, attics, or outdoor buildings. Many French DIY stores sell pre-slit foam pipe covers for just a few euros per metre.

If you’re away for an extended period, drain outdoor taps and consider turning off the main water supply. For those with rural properties, it’s also worth checking septic tanks and sump pumps to ensure they’re functioning properly after heavy rainfall.

5. Prepare for Power Cuts

In rural France, power cuts are not uncommon during severe weather. Keep a few essentials ready: a torch, candles, a battery-powered radio, and extra drinking water. If you rely on electric heating, consider a backup heat source like a wood stove or portable gas heater — but always follow safety instructions carefully.

Families with freezers may want to keep a few ice blocks on hand; they’ll help preserve food for several hours if power is lost. Related reading: Cutting Heating Costs: What Every French Household Should Know This Winter.

6. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Storm and flood damage are typically covered under standard assurance habitation policies, but it’s wise to double-check your coverage. Make sure you understand what’s included and whether you need to declare any upgrades, outbuildings, or renovations.

If your property has suffered storm damage, take photos before any repairs and contact your insurer within 10 days of the event — a rule set under France’s “Catastrophe naturelle” framework.

Key Takeaways

  • Inspect roofs, gutters, and insulation before heavy winter weather sets in.
  • Secure gardens, sheds, and chicken coops to prevent storm damage.
  • Insulate pipes and review home insurance coverage for peace of mind.
  • Stay prepared with basic emergency supplies for potential power cuts.
  • Simple checks now can prevent costly repairs later.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your French home for winter doesn’t require major investment — just attention to detail and a little forward planning. By tackling a few key maintenance tasks now, you’ll keep your home safe, warm, and efficient through the coldest months of the year. And when the next storm rolls in, you’ll be ready for it.