Over the last three decades, we’ve learned a great deal about the importance of home maintenance, especially in the rainy season. Since home insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear, it’s crucial to remain up to date with maintenance to avoid unnecessary and costly damage and loss. Here is some practical advice to help you get your home ready for the rainy season. We also highlights what falls outside of your home insurance policy. 

1. Trim branches on the roofline

Trimming large trees that hang over your roof can help protect your home from damage. During heavy rains, tree limbs fly freely and could cause massive damage to your roof, which can be exacerbated by summer downpours. Prevent this by checking the growth of trees around the yard throughout the year and giving them a regular trim.  

2. Ceilings and walls

Water stains on the ceiling are usually one of the first signs of leaks in the roof. Try to find the source and monitor possible bulges on the wall and ceiling. Determining the source could be difficult so it’s a good idea to consult a roof maintenance expert if you’re unsure.

3. Check your gutters

Gutters protect your home by preventing mould from growing on the roof and the build-up of other moisture that can cause damage. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home to check that the gutters are all tightly fitted as loose gutters can become a problem. Inspect the top of the gutters for any blockages and ensure that water flows down the spouts and doesn’t interfere with the foundation or any other parts of the building.

4. Fascia boards on gutters

Fascia is a board that helps keep gutters in place. Their main role is to create an even appearance on the edges of the roof. Any damage to them can affect the gutters due to their proximity. It is thus important to check them regularly, especially after or during a rainy season.

5. History of the building

Familiarise yourself with the history of the building and keep a file of every development as years go by. Things like warranty, roof installation records, repairs, and all home insurance documentation should be kept in a file. This information will make it easier for you to keep up to date with regular repairs.

6. Check the insulation

Insulation helps balance heat loss or heat gain by providing for temperature differences inside and outside the house. Managing your building’s insulation can help prevent ice dams (a build-up of ice) and keep your roof in good condition.

7. Follow up on the plumbing of the building

Plumbing can affect the value of the building if not checked regularly. Pipes connected to the bathroom can cause leaks if not maintained. A plumber will be able to determine which parts of the building require constant monitoring, especially in older buildings. This will help you keep track of and schedule regular maintenance.

8. Ventilation

Check the outdoor vents regularly to ensure debris hasn’t built up, which may cause a blockage. Blocked vents can be a fire hazard as they may cause a build-up of toxic carbon monoxide in your building so it’s crucial to change air filters regularly. Dusty or old vents can also be health, environmental and financial hazard as they could result in lower air quality and an increase in energy costs.

9. Water drainage systems

During winter, the drainage system and gutters can easily be damaged due to water running into the ground. This damage can cause major structural changes to your building. Try to ensure that all water drainage systems are not placed close to the building.

10. Trust the professionals

With the right expertise, skills and advice, you can ensure that your building is well-maintained all year round. We offer Home Assist with all our Home Insurance policies, which gives you access to a nationwide network of experts for your home emergencies.  

Building repairs can be costly. It is important to find professionals to assist because one small mistake can affect other parts of the building. This is something that every homeowner should invest in at least twice a year, or every season, if possible.