Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa July/August 2019 | Page 26

MANAGING
How to protect your
home from winter
wear and tear
Seasonal maintenance tips
W
inter is always a tough season for homes and gar-
dens, regardless of whether your local climate is
wet or dry. Without the right preparation storms,
heavy winds, cold snaps and snow can cause lasting dam-
age to your property. ‘Winter proofing’ is one of the best
ways to protect the value of your home.
David Jacobs, Gauteng Regional Manager for the Rawson
Property Group, shares his top tips on what to do to get your
home ship-shape for winter.
1
ON THE ROOF
According to Jacobs, one of the first chores to
put on your winter checklist is hauling out the
old ladder and clearing the year’s debris from
your gutters and downpipes. Jacobs said that this is
particularly important in areas that experience winter
rainfall as the weight of water in blocked gutters can
literally rip them from your roofs and walls.
“A side benefit of regular gutter-cleaning is that you
can check your roof sheets or tiles at the same time.”
“Make sure there is nothing loose or missing, and that
any flashings or joints are in good condition. If anything
looks less than 100%, get a professional in to take look
– sealing up any leaks before winter hits is essential to
prevent water damage and icy, energy-sucking drafts,” he
adds
2
IN THE ROOF SPACE
While your ladder is out of storage, Jacobs
recommends using it to take a look inside your roof
space as well. Jacob suggests checking for signs of
previous water damage that could indicate leaks that aren’t
obvious from the outside.
“Points of light visible through your roof material are
a dead giveaway that there are gaps that could need
attention, but also check your insulation or ceiling
boards for tell-tale water stains.”
While you’re at it, you may want to confirm that
your insulation hasn’t shifted or flattened over time –
this can reduce its thermal efficiency and let valuable
warmth escape your home as temperatures drop.
“It’s also a good idea to fit a geyser blanket and
insulate any pipes that might freeze if temperatures go
below zero. Frozen pipes have a nasty habit of bursting
and causing serious water damage when they defrost,”
said Jacobs
3
INSIDE YOUR HOME
Windows are another important area to protect
against winter wear and tear.
“Leaky windows let the cold and rain in and the
heat out of homes. In fact, they’re one of the biggest sources
of heat loss in most South African properties,” he said
To prevent leaks, make sure the putty or gaskets that
seal your glass panes to your frames aren’t showing signs of
cracking and apply weatherproofing tape (available at most
hardware stores) to any imperfect closures.
Windows aren’t the only culprit when it comes to drafts,
however. Jacobs says - doors and even chimneys can let
warm air out if you’re not careful.
“Weatherproofing tape can be used to seal drafty doors
as well as windows, but a simple, stuffed draft excluder can
be just as effective,” he says. “Chimneys are a little more
difficult to draft-proof, since they’re designed to draw air up
and outward. Most models let you close the flue when not in
use, though, which helps minimise heat loss.”
Don’t forget to get your chimney swept before lighting
your first fire of the season! Nothing says “miserable winter”
quite like a chimney fire or a lounge choked with smoke.
4
IN THE GARDEN
Gardens also take a beating in winter, but proper
preparation varies a little depending on your
climate.
“In rainy, stormy regions, homeowners need to prune
their trees and bushes back from power lines roofs and
gutters to avoid falling branches causing structural
damage,” says Jacobs. “Those in colder, high-frost regions
need to think more about protecting sensitive plants from
cold damage, moving pots to sheltered areas or bringing
them indoors,” said Jacobs
Regardless of your local climate, mulching your flower
beds is always a winter win, protecting roots from below-
freezing temperatures and minimising rain-driven soil
erosion.
Mulch can be understood as materials such as decaying
leaves, bark or compost which are spread around or over a
plant to enrich and insulate the soil. It aids to keep the soil
and roots cool and is important to do so if you have just
planted ‘young’ plants. It helps to retain the soil moisture.
Store or cover your outdoor furniture to prolong its
lifespan during the colder and wet months of the year.
Covering or storing outdoor furniture is also a great way
to prolong its lifespan.
RESOURCES Rawson Property Group
24
JULY/AUGUST 2019 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine