Homeowners’ home maintenance checklist
Water leaks and structural issues can arise quickly and neglecting repairs can lead to costly damage. It’s important to take preventative measures that could save you money in the long run.
Let’s explore key home maintenance tips.
Inspecting and repairing roofs and gutters
Every three months, make sure that you check and unblock all gutters from debris and leaves when necessary.
Checks on metal roofs:
- Replace rusted sheets and repaint, if necessary.
- Reseal joints and overlaps between the sheets.
- Get a professional roof repairer to replace and seal loose or missing roof screws and washers.
Checks on all roofs:
Metal sheets (galvanised and membrane flashings) are used in waterproofing to prevent leaking through the roof joints. Ask a waterproofing specialist to check for any damage and to fasten the sheets if needed.
Check for indoor leaks and any ceiling damage
Don’t forget to check the inside of your home for any signs of leaks, especially on the ceiling. Your roof might need attention if there are any signs of water leakage, moisture, discoloration, mould and water rings. Make sure to find the cause of the damage to sort out the source of the problem and this may help prevent or reduce any future damage.
Clean up the area outside your home
Clean up any debris or broken debris outside that could cause potential damage. Trim any branches that hang over the roof and gutters, and take down any dead branches that may become hazardous during storms.
Seal windows and doors to prevent leaks
Use weather stripping to seal any leaky windows or doors to keep heat inside and prevent mould growth.
Crackdown on the cracks
Check door and window frames, especially those made of wood, as well as walls, floors and foundations for cracks where water can seep in during the rain.
Create a drainage plan for your yard
Check that draining channels, pipes and holes are in good condition and cleared from obstructions before the start rainy season. A build-up of water in your yard or around your house could cause rising damp and foundation problems. Use environmentally friendly drain cleaners on a regular basis, even if you’re not experiencing any drain blockages.
When it comes to home maintenance, your choice of service provider is just as important as the products you use. Make sure that you use reputable companies and professionals to attend to any maintenance, building or repair work. Remember maintenance related damages and wear and tear is not covered under your insurance contract, so it is important to have a well-maintained building.
Take a look at the Building Maintenance brochure for a full maintenance schedule.
Get quality cover for your home
Securing your house with reliable home insurance is also important. With OUTsurance Buildings insurance, you will be covered for any damage to your property, caused by leaking pressurised pipes, acts of nature, explosion, subsidence and fire.
You also get access to Help@OUT home emergency assistance, available to clients 24/7, every day of the year. This includes the services of a plumber, an electrician or locksmith – to name only a few. The call-out fee and first hour of labour is on OUTsurance.