Winter storm checklist for your home

Every year, the first big winter cold front catches some homeowners out: overflowing gutters, a leaking roof, a flooded garage or a tree branch through the window. Most of these problems can be prevented with a few hours of checking in autumn. Here is a checklist to work through.

Roof

• Check for loose, cracked or missing roof tiles and slipped ridge tiles
• Check roof sheeting for loose screws and rusted areas
• Look at flashings where the roof meets walls and chimneys
• Check flat roofs and balconies for cracked waterproofing and blocked outlets (see our flat roof guide)
• Look in the ceiling space for daylight, damp patches or stains

Gutters and downpipes

• Clear leaves, sand and debris from gutters and downpipes
• Check that gutters fall towards the downpipes and are securely fixed
• Make sure downpipes discharge into drains or away from the house, not against the foundations
• Fit leaf guards if you have trees close to the house

Drainage

• Clear stormwater drains, channels and grids in paving
• Check that paving and soil fall away from the house
• Make sure garage and basement drains work
• Know where your stormwater goes. Water should not drain onto a neighbour’s property.

Walls and windows

• Look for cracks in exterior plaster and get them sealed
• Check sealant around window and door frames
• Clear weep holes at the bottom of window frames and in retaining walls
• Check that sliding door tracks drain properly

Trees and garden

• Have branches that overhang the roof cut back by a professional
• Check large trees for dead branches, especially near the house, cars or power lines
• Secure garden furniture, trampolines and umbrellas, or put them away

Retaining walls

If your property has retaining walls, check for bulging, leaning or cracks, and make sure weep holes are clear. Water pressure behind a blocked wall increases dramatically in wet weather (see retaining walls on Cape Town slopes).

Inside

• Check extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
• Service gas heaters and fireplaces, and have chimneys swept
• Check that smoke detectors work
• Know where your main water stop tap and electrical main switch are

Power

• Check your backup power system or generator before you need it
• Make sure the gate motor and alarm batteries are in good condition

After a storm

Walk around the house after the first big storm. Look for new damp patches, water in the ceiling space and blocked drains. Small problems found early are cheap to fix.

Need help?

If you find something you are not sure about, or need repairs before winter, get in touch. Autumn is the best time to fix it.