Essential Winter Home Maintenance Tips

As we head into the winter season, now is the time to make sure your property is prepared to 'weather' all kinds of extreme weather. Depending on where you reside in South Africa, your region will be subject to intense weather conditions in varying degrees. 

Maintaining your home is about more than just doing a seasonal spring clean. It's about making sure it looks its best and lasts for decades. Properties tend to take a bit of a beating during the cold and wet conditions that winter often brings. Taking the time to reinforce your property will make a huge difference to its longevity.

Key areas to pay particular attention to include:

• Insulation and ventilation
• Water drainage
• Leaks 

Make sure your property is winter-ready by taking care of these key areas

1. Insulation and Ventilation

It is important that your property is both properly insulated and well ventilated, particularly during the colder months. This will help ensure that your property is energy efficient and maintains a consistent internal temperature, keeping your monthly energy costs down.

• Check all windows and replace any damaged or broken panes
• Check all window frames and door frames and seal any gaps 
• Make sure your roof, wall and floor insulation is properly inspected to ensure correct installation

2. Water Drainage

Seasonal rainfall can quickly become problematic if your property's drainage systems are not up to scratch. Take the time to tend to this now, before the rains arrive. Your property needs to be able to drain water away from the house quickly, effectively, and without obstruction. 

Gutters 

Clean out your gutters and prepare your roof to prevent clogging and overflowing during the winter season. Doing so will also: 

• Prevent birds, pests and mosquitoes from nesting and breeding 
• Extend their lifespan including that of your roof
• Prevent water and structural damage to your roof, walls and foundations
• Stop growth of weeds and seedlings that can damage your roof
• Allow water to channel away from the house correctly
• Prevent soil erosion

Drains and Filters

Clear your drains of any debris, leaves and litter. Monitor your inside and outside drains and look out for any signs of blockages. Ensure your swimming pool is also winter-ready by running the backwash, cleaning the filter regularly, and covering the pool with a properly fitted cover to prevent leaves and debris from gathering.

Yard Clutter

Remove clutter and store unnecessary garden items that could become a potential home for pests, mould, mildew, rotting leaves, etc. Such items can also create spaces for water to collect and grow stagnant. Clear out your garden shed and store bags, potting soil, fertiliser, equipment and other items off the floor. Cut back any overgrown trees and shrubs in your garden that could damage your property during a storm.

3. Leaks

Do a thorough property inspection and keep an eye out for any cracks, holes, and general damage to the structure of your property. If your property is due for a plumbing compliance inspection, now is a good time to make sure all your plumbing systems are in good working order. Pay attention to your roof, ceilings, cracks and any other problematic areas that need resealing. 

Maintaining your property before and during winter is vital to ensure many more years of enjoyment. Take the time to prepare for the winter season now - you'll be so glad you did. 

Getting ready to sell? We can help!

If you're ready to put up that for sale sign, we hope these winter home maintenance tips have been helpful in getting your property in tip top shape. We can also help you with quick and accurate property valuation to get your sale going. Get in touch today for more information.