Builderscrack Blog – Home Repair & Renovation Guides The Six Things Standing Between Your Home and a Warm, Dry Winter
We’ve broken down six parts of a Kiwi home that have the biggest impact on keeping it warm and dry this winter.
By autumn, gutters are full. Leaves, debris and summer build-up settle in over the warmer months, and water that can’t flow freely backs up, spills over and sits against your fascia boards and foundations, often for months without any obvious sign inside the house. Clear them out and check that downpipes are running freely and discharging well away from the house.
Gutter guards
If you’re dealing with significant tree coverage, gutter guards are worth considering. They reduce how often you need to clear debris and lower the risk of major blockages, but they’re not a set-and-forget solution. Fine debris can still build up on top of and underneath the guards, so gutters should still be inspected at least once a year, even with guards in place.
Flashings
While you’re thinking about the roof, check your flashings, the metal strips that seal the joins around chimneys, skylights, and where the roof meets a wall. Flashings are one of the most overlooked parts of any roof and one of the most common sources of water ingress. Over time, sealant dries out and cracks, and metal can lift slightly. Enough to let water in during heavy rain without ever showing up as an obvious leak inside.
How often should you get an inspection?
For most homes, a professional inspection once a year is enough to stay on top of it. If you’re in a leafy suburb, near the coast, or somewhere that gets significant storms, every six months is worth it. After any major weather event, it’s always worth getting someone up there. A quick check can catch cracked tiles, loose ridge capping or lifting flashings before they turn into something much more expensive to fix.
For a more detailed guide on gutters and spouting, including warning signs, water ingress and when to call a professional, read our guide: Guttering and Spouting: How to Spot the Warning Signs and Prevent Damage.