Maintenance is the key to a healthy and safe home environment. Keeping on top of maintenance around your home will ensure that your once small issues don’t become big and costly. Below are 5 key areas to consider when you are preparing your maintenance checklist.
1. Roof and gutters
Repairing any cracked or broken tiles, guttering or flashing will help to prevent any potential roof leaks.
Blocked gutters can back flood into eaves and then into wall frames, causing moisture-related problems such as wood decay and create conditions conducive to termite attack. Roof plumbing and stormwater drainage issues are some of the common problems we find in homes across Brisbane.
Roof plumbing not connected to the stormwater system causes dampness around the base of the building which may cause instability in supporting footings and brickwork, resulting in damage and distortion.
It is a good idea, coming into storm season that you check your gutters are clear of debris such as leaf matter, dirt and organic growth, that could potentially cause a gutter overflow. This will ensure you are protecting your home from the possibility of flooded ceilings, damaged roof timbers, a saturation of the internal walls and damage to the building foundations which can result in some serious structural damage.
2. Manage termites and other uninvited pests
Pest invasion is becoming a serious problem in Australia and while a lot of pests are annoying but ultimately harmless to your home, there are some pests which cause damage, whether that be to your home, your possessions or even yourself.
Having regular Pest Inspections and periodic chemical treatments is highly recommended to ensure your house is safe from pests. However, some areas you can look at yourself to help deter termites are:
reduce areas of increased moisture around the house
avoid garden beds adjacent to the house
reduce termite food around the home.
cardboard boxes and waste timber stored off the ground level
firewood is stored off ground level away from the home
keep areas around the house clear, such as subfloors to maintain ventilation
ensure subfloor venting is not blocked
ensure roof guttering and downpipes don’t leak
ensure you have no leaking pipes. check
air conditioners
hot water systems
leaking taps
ensure the weep holes are kept clear of obstacles including concrete, dirt, garden mulch
ensure posts are placed on metal stirrups
3. Landscaping and gardening
In many cases, the landscaping and gardens of your home have a huge impact on the appearance of your property and as well as the value of it. Whilst correct drainage systems will ensure you don’t overwater and kill your plants, there are some more significant impacts to consider to prevent the following:
potential flooding of the property
soil erosion
unstable foundations
deters termites
build-up of mould and fungus
When considering placement of your garden beds, you should also ensure that no plants, soil or other items are concealing weep holes. A weep hole provides ventilation to the wall cavities, preventing dampness, mildew, and dry rot from entering. They also provide a passage for water, flooding and condensation to escape. Obstruction of a weep hole can provide a pathway for pests, including termites to enter your home.
4. Bathrooms and wet rooms
Water leaks in your home can cause significant and costly structural damage. Whether it is a little drip from the tap or a larger more obvious leak, addressing the situation promptly could save you a lot of stress and money.
Some things to keep an eye out for are:
Poor tapware and fittings
Inadequate shower drainage
Water hammer or vibration
Insufficient or damaged waterproofing
Shower cracks or gaps
Hot water system leaks
5. Decks
You should always maintain your deck with regular inspections, to ensure the integrity and stability, no matter what material it is made of.
Lack of maintenance is a primary cause of deck failure, however, there are several other causes including:
corrosion of metalwork and associated fittings and fixings in older decks
lack of appropriate treatment to decking material, timber or steel
use of timber that is unsuitable for exterior use
use of untreated timber
lack of bracing
termite attack
rotting timber
water exposure
overloading of decking areas (e.g. too many people on the deck)
poor construction techniques used in owner/builder constructed decks
If you have Building or Pest concerns around your house and are looking for an expert to assist, please contact OneHome Inspections on 07 3369 5231 on visit www.onehomeinspections.com.au
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