WINTER IS COMING

Seasonal home care: preparing for cooler months.

- 

As the cooler months approach, it's easy to focus on cosy fires and thick blankets, but if you want to avoid expensive repairs and frustrating surprises, now's the time to give your home some TLC. From gutters to gardens, prepping your home during the quieter months can save you significant trouble once the first cold front or heavy rain hits. Here's how to autumn-proof your home and ensure everything stays in top shape.

The importance of timing

A recent study by Kandua.com shows that 80% of South Africans put off home maintenance until something breaks or the first rains reveal a leak. The months of May through July are surprisingly quiet for roofers, waterproofing specialists, and gutter cleaners - despite this being the ideal time to get ahead of the game. By waiting until spring, problems that could have been minor repairs become expensive, larger-scale issues.

Autumn is the perfect time to plan ahead. Gutters, roofing, and waterproofing should be at the top of your list, allowing you to address any potential cracks, blockages, or damaged tiles before the wet season sets in. Neglecting these can lead to damp walls, leaks, and long-term structural damage.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO AUTUMN-PROOFING YOUR HOME

Gutters and roof maintenance Clearing out gutters may not seem like a high-priority task, but once leaves and debris build up, water can overflow or pool, damaging your roof and walls. A blocked gutter can lead to cracks or leaks, which are far harder (and costlier) to fix once the rainy season begins.

Step-by-step guide to gutter maintenance

1. Inspect the gutters: Walk around your house and check for visible signs of blockages or sagging gutters. Look for cracks or rust that might indicate wear.

2. Remove debris: Using gloves and a sturdy ladder, remove any leaves, twigs, and dirt from the gutters. A small garden trowel works well for stubborn debris.