Winter Essentials 2026: How to Beat Frost, Damp, Leaks and the Cold
Frosty windscreens, numb fingers, leaking gutters and damp patches – winter brings the same jobs every year. Here's our checklist of what to have ready, and which products to use for each job.
What should I have ready for winter?
Thermal waterproof gloves and warm socks for working outside, a de-icer or ice preventer for frosty mornings, patch-and-seal tape and a good sealant for leaks and gaps, damp-stain paint for marks inside, a heavy duty tarpaulin for anything left outdoors, and a heater for the workshop or garage.
- Cold, wet handsWaterproof thermal gloves
- Frozen windscreenDemon Ice preventer & de-icer
- Leaking roof, gutter or pipeGorilla Patch & Seal Tape
- Damp stains on wallsRustins Damp Seal
- Covering things outsideHeavy duty tarpaulin
- Cold workshopIndustrial fan heater
Keep warm at work
Cold, wet hands are slow, clumsy hands. Pick waterproof thermal gloves for wet work and fleece-lined leather for dry cold.
Wet & coldFully waterproof to the wrist, with a thermal terry liner and grippy latex palm.
Shop Watertite
Grip in the wetDouble-dipped latex for water repellency and grip, with a warm thermal lining.
Shop Pawa PG241
Dry coldTough goatskin leather with a soft fleece lining for outdoor jobs.
Shop Cutter CW200
Warm feetReinforced heel and toe with a non-slip bridge. Two pairs per pack.
Shop work socksFrosty mornings
Spray an ice preventer the night before and you won't be scraping at 7am. Keep a de-icer in the car for the mornings you forget.
2-in-1Ice preventer and de-icer in one. Spray at night or in the morning; works to -20°C.
Shop Demon Ice
Quick defrostConcentrated sub-zero formula that dissolves ice and frost on all glass.
Shop de-icer
Locks & hingesMulti-use lubricant to keep hinges, locks and tools moving through the wet months.
Shop WD-40Leaks, gaps and draughts
Winter rain finds every gap. Patch emergencies straight away, then seal properly when the weather allows.
| Problem | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leaking gutter, roof or pipe | Gorilla Patch & Seal Tape | Thick rubberised tape – seals instantly, even underwater |
| Clear repair on glass or plastic | Gorilla Patch & Seal Clear | Same strength, almost invisible |
| Outdoor joints and gaps | Soudalflex 40FC PU sealant | Permanently elastic, bonds to masonry, metal, timber and plastics |
| Indoor cracks around frames and skirting | Everflex 125 caulk or Timco acrylic caulk | Flexible, paintable decorators' caulk |
| Pipe and duct insulation joints | Timco Aluminium Foil Tape | Heat and moisture resistant |
Damp and condensation
Always find and fix the cause of damp first. Then cover the stains so they don't bleed through new paint, and keep moisture out of storage.
Damp stainsFast-drying interior paint that blocks damp and water stains. Recoat in 2 hours.
Shop Damp Seal
Containers & storageSealed calcium chloride desiccant pole that absorbs moisture to stop condensation damage.
Shop Damp StickCover it up
Log piles, garden furniture, building materials and trailers all need a proper cover. For winter, go for heavy duty (180gsm) or heavier, and tie it down at every eyelet with ball bungees. Not sure which one? Read our guide to choosing a tarpaulin.
Garden & log pilesUV treated with rope-reinforced hems and rust-proof eyelets.
Shop 180gsm
RoofsEyelets every 50cm and an 18-month UV warranty. 12 sizes.
Shop 270gsm
ToughestPVC-coated polyester that stays flexible below freezing.
Shop 560gsm PVCHeat the workshop
A cold workshop slows everything down – and many adhesives and sealants cure more slowly in the cold, so check the temperature on the tube before you start.
| Heater | Power supply | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Fan Heater 3kW | Standard 230V, 16A | Two heat settings, thermostat, fan-only mode |
| Industrial Fan Heater 9kW | 415V three-phase | Two heat settings, thermostat, fan-only mode |
Your winter checklist
- Waterproof thermal gloves and warm work socks
- Ice preventer for the night before, de-icer for the morning
- Patch & seal tape for emergency leaks
- Sealant and caulk for gaps around frames and joints
- Damp-stain paint for marks inside, desiccant for storage
- A heavy duty tarpaulin and ball bungees
- A heater for the workshop or garage
Winter FAQs
How do I stop my windscreen freezing overnight?
Spray an ice preventer on the glass the night before. CarPlan Demon Ice is a 2-in-1 ice preventer and de-icer that works down to -20°C – spray it in the evening to stop ice forming, or in the morning to melt frost fast.
What are the best gloves for working in the cold and wet?
Pick a thermal glove with a waterproof coating. The Blackrock Watertite is fully waterproof to the wrist with a thermal liner, and the Pawa PG241 is double-dipped for water repellency and grip. For dry cold, Cutter CW200 fleece-lined leather gloves are hard-wearing and warm.
How can I fix a leak quickly in winter?
For an emergency patch on a roof, gutter, pipe or window, use Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape. It's a thick, rubberised tape that seals out water and air and even sticks underwater. For a longer-lasting seal on joints, use a PU sealant such as Soudalflex 40FC.
How do I cover damp patches on walls and ceilings?
Once you've fixed whatever caused the damp, paint over the stain with Rustins Damp Seal. It's a fast-drying interior paint that blocks damp and water stains, can go on damp surfaces, and can be painted or papered over after two hours.
How do I keep moisture out of a shipping container or storage unit?
Hang a desiccant such as the Aquadry Damp Stick. It's a sealed pole of anhydrous calcium chloride that absorbs moisture from the air and traps the water inside, helping prevent condensation damage to stored goods.
Which tarpaulin should I use over winter?
For anything left outside all winter, choose heavy duty (180gsm) or heavier. For roofs and long-term covers use 270gsm or 560gsm PVC. Our tarpaulin buying guide compares them all.
What size heater do I need for a workshop?
Our 3kW industrial fan heater runs from a standard 230V 16A supply, while the 9kW model needs a 415V three-phase supply. Both have two heat settings, a thermostat and a fan-only option.
Get ready for winter
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