As we get ready for Cape Town’s winter, it’s the right time to make sure your house is ready for the cold, wet days ahead. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Clean out your gutters
Winter in Cape Town means heavy rains (we hope!). Clogged gutters prevent the draining of rain and can result in leaks. It is also important to check that your downspouts extend away from your house. This ensures that water is channeled away from your house and not towards it.While we’re talking about stormy weather, be sure to trim any dead tree limbs. This will prevent them falling on your house and causing damage in the middle of a storm.
Paint and seal exterior wood
Painting and sealing exterior wooden trims (such as window frames) will protect them from the harsh winter elements. These trims tend to deteriorate very quickly if not protected. Protecting your wooden finishes will save you a lot of money in the long run as replacing these frames can be both costly and inconvenient. Repair work is also difficult and even professionals may struggle to restore the finishes to their former glory. The best strategy is to make sure they don’t rot in the first place!
Not sure where to start? Here’s a helpful tutorial.
Clean your chimney and order firewood
Before you start building those cozy fires in the next couple of months, it’s a good idea to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney. This will make sure the fireplace is safe to use, and highlight any areas requiring maintenance. Now is also the time to order a load of firewood. Take the time to stack and cover the wood in a good location in your garden – out of the rain.
Not sure how to clean your own chimney? Here’s a guide.
Get roof insulation
Did you know that a quarter of heat is lost through the roof of homes which are not insulated? Think of how much electricity you’re wasting keeping your home warm in winter! Prevent this in your home by getting your roof insulated. This will help keep you and your loved ones warm this winter while also saving on heating bills.
Install a door sweep
A simple door sweep will effectively stop drafts from entering your home under an exterior door. A sweep is a flexible piece of rubber or plastic that is held to the door’s lower edge by a strip of aluminium.
Here’s a straightforward look at how to install an effective door sweep.
As the days get colder and shorter, it’s time to prepare for the winter months ahead. If this seems like too much, with everything else that’s going on, feel free to get a quote from our contractors. Currently we can assist with emergency plumbing, electrical and roofing needs. Other projects will be resumed and taken on board as soon as lockdown restrictions are relaxed. All our Fix Forward contractors are experienced professionals, and will happily give you a quote on any maintenance you need. A cosy home is just a phone call away!
