Handy hints to winterise your home!
- Reticulation – as easy as it can be to forget, it is in the best interest to ensure retic is turned off coming into the winter months to save on both water and money spent on bills. June 1 to August 31 is the winter sprinkler switch off every year.
- Gutters – it is important to inspect for wear and tear for minor leaks in gutters and arrange for gutter cleaning if required. Gutters will often accumulate a lot of leaves and debris over the warmer months. Whilst not always a major issue in summer, this build-up of debris can become a bigger problem as the weather gets damper. To prevent blocked gutters causing water damage to your investment property, we recommend Investors have their gutters professionally cleaned to ensure rainwater is properly diverted during the wet weather
- Ceiling Fans – if your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to run the fan’s blades in a opposite direction to summer after you turn on your heat. The fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the ceiling (remember, hot air rises). This is especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings — and it might even allow you to turn down your thermostat by a degree or two for greater energy savings.
- Courtyard/Balcony Screens, Blinds, Awnings
- If the property has any external screens, blinds or awnings ensure that these are secured as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Close and secure all windows and/or sliding doors to avoid water ingress into the property.
- Depending on the rainfall, in some instances it may be the case that the water level could rise very quickly in yards, courtyards or balconies. Be prepared with towels or sandbags to prevent water entering into your property as much as possible. If there is water ingress from the roof/ceiling ensure you place a bucket under the leak to capture the water and avoid damage to the property. Move personal items away from any areas that have been affected by water to avoid damage to your contents.
- If you do experience leaks, water ingress or flooding, notify your property manager and please take photographs for insurance purposes.
- Clear your yard/balcony/courtyard and check drains are clear
- Ensure there is no rubbish or small items left in yards, courtyards or on balconies (such as bottles, glasses, bags, packaging, gardening tools, pegs, etc.) that could easily be taken away with the wind and end up in the gutters, causing blockages.
- Ensure that no clothing on washing lines or drying frames are left outside as clothing is also commonly found in gutters and can cause blockages. In apartments, be sure to check that there is nothing obstructing the drains on your balcony such as leaves, furniture, pots and any other items.
- Secure furniture and pots/plants
If there is any furniture or pot plants outside that could easily be moved or taken by the wind, ensure they are secured. If necessary, some items may need to be taken inside or placed into a shed/storeroom if they cannot be tied down or secured. - Check for damp and mould in bathrooms and cupboards
- Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible or use well-ventilated rooms.
- Make sure air vents are not blocked. Keep furniture further away from the walls to improve air flow in the room. Close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam travelling into colder rooms.
Warm Regard,