Preventative Maintenance for Winter

Winter comes with a set of maintenance jobs that simply need to be done to ensure your home stays in tip-top shape over the colder months. We share a few of the most important jobs that need to be done here.

Fireplaces and Insulation

Your fireplace is going to bring you a lot of joy this winter. From traditional to electric fireplaces they all need their type of maintenance to remain in good condition. Traditional fireplaces require a proper clean including the chimney. If you use your fireplace, have it cleaned by a chimney sweep. You should also check for any debris and cracks in the chimney. Beware of creosote buildup and debris such as leaves and bird nests could become a fire hazard. 

Your electrical fireplace is much easier to clean as it does not require a chimney and does not have any debris from burning logs. A quick clean over with a damp cloth will do the trick for your electric fireplace.

It is also vital to make sure your home is properly insulated. This is something you may have to do in late summer already, but you still have time. Good insulation will save you lots of money this winter.  Read more about insulation here. 

Waterproofing

This may not be an important maintenance job for you if you do not live in the Western Cape where winter brings a lot of rain. The first thing to do is to make sure there is a clear path for water to move away from your home. Check your exterior pipes and gutters to make sure they are free from debris. Also, check for leaks and breaks that could make gutters and pipes less effective. 

Your roof is vital in protecting your home from water damage. Check for broken or moved tiles and possible weak spots. Watermarked ceilings are an indicator that your roof needs a repair. Look out for damp spots, mould or bubbling paint on the interior and exterior walls. Although most homes have waterproofing systems, older homes are most susceptible to issues such as rising damp. Damaged pipes, irrigation systems, wall placement and roof issues could be the source of your waterproofing problem.

Trim and Store

Your winter home maintenance checklist should include trimming any dead tree limbs so they don’t fall and damage your home during the dry winter. If you need to remove large limbs or remove a tree, it may be best to hire a professional to help you with the job.

Now is also a good time of year to store seasonal garden equipment. Lawnmowers and edge cutter can be cleaned and put away for the winter. Make sure all seasonal tools such as rakes, pruning shears and garden shovels are stored inside your garage. 

Need help with your winter preventative maintenance? Find an expert in HOMEMAKERS to help you get the job done. 

Mamela sengoloa sena ka Sotho mona (Listen to this article in Sotho here)