While winter isn’t generally a time we associate with home maintenance, tackling a few jobs now will safeguard your property from the damaging effects of the winter elements. Your home is likely one of your most valuable assets. Avoid unnecessarily devaluing it by making time for maintenance.
Here, we discuss four must-do tasks that, if left unattended, can cause lasting damage, which, unfortunately, can be costly to repair!
House Washing
Regularly washing your home’s exterior walls will remove the build-up of dust, dirt, mould, chemical residue and salt spray and promote the longevity of your paintwork, joinery and external fittings.
If you live in an urban area, you should attempt to wash your house annually. Those living close to the sea or in geothermal locations should increase the frequency to once a quarter.
Before you get too excited, this isn’t a job for your water-blaster; instead, reach for a low-pressure hose, a gentle detergent and a soft brush.
Exterior Paintwork
Maintaining exterior paintwork is critical to protecting the structural integrity of your home. Cracked paintwork can allow rain to seep into the woodwork, causing it to rot. Left untreated, this can result in a costly repair job.
Before you grab your paintbrush and whip out the ladder, you must prepare the surfaces you intend to paint. If you’ve been following the cleaning schedule as advised above, your house will be partially paint-ready. Next, you’ll need to assess the condition of the existing paintwork. Cracked or peeling paint will require sanding; this will ensure an even application of your fresh paint and, what’s more, will support a quality finish that will last!
Do your research, and don’t be afraid to invest in quality paint. Cheaper products are less likely to perform like the more expensive brands, nor will they deliver lasting results. You’ll be back up that ladder before you know it, investing both your time and your money in another painting project. In this instance, spending the money upfront is worth it!
Clearing Gutters
The combination of falling leaves, wind, and rain can wreak havoc on your gutters and drains. With regular checks and clearing, you will avoid a build-up of debris, protect your drains from blocking and prevent leaks from forming.
The best time to clean your gutters is after the last autumn leaves have fallen but before the winter sets in. As with house washing, this should be an annual task. If you live in a leafy suburb or share your gutters with big deciduous trees, it would pay to check them every six months. As a proactive approach, you can install a mesh shield over your gutters to prevent the leaves from collecting in there altogether.
Sealing Windows and Doors
Whether you are heating your home with a fire or an electric heating system, you’re paying for it – having poorly sealed windows and doors is akin to letting your hard-earned money slip through the cracks!
As with most home maintenance jobs, the detail is the preparation. The same applies to effectively sealing air leaks. Removing the old sealant material is a critical first step, and determining the best product for your job a close second.
Window frames are subject to movement, so the product you choose must offer a degree of flexibility. Some sealants are only designed for internal use, while others are suitable for internal and external use. A little time spent on research at the outset will save you from making uninformed choices and costly mistakes.
Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, but your home will always be an invaluable asset if you take these responsibilities seriously.
Why not set aside a weekend to tend to some winter maintenance, then reward yourself with your favourite winter meal – it almost sounds too good to resist!