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Garage and Carport
Garages, particularly the older variety, can come in for some serious hammer during the winter months. Strong winds are particularly damaging with seemingly robust structures suddenly becoming interesting garden features four doors down the road. If your garage or carport has an IBR (sheet metal) roof, check to see that bolts, screws and nuts have not rusted and that the sheeting is still firmly fastened. If you spot rust, get a tin of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust and prevent any further damage.
Creeping damp, leaks, compromised electrics and rusted hinges and mechanisms are all things to look out for and make note of, but perhaps sort out when it's warmer and calmer.
Knobs and knockers
Chances are you will have already noticed how that front door lock seemed to stiffen up after the rainy season. A judicious spray of Q20 lubrication will work wonders on most climate-afflicted locks.
Gutters
While not being pleasant, cleaning out of gutters is a good thing to do as it will help protect the exterior of your home from the worst excesses of those torrential summer downpours - or winter storms depending upon your location. While you're up there, inspect gutters and downspouts for leaks and patch up any suspect area.
Structure
Take the window in the climatic extremes as an opportunity to thoroughly inspect the outside of the property. Are there any new cracks or signs of damage? Just what was that strange banging sound to be heard in strong winds? Has an aerial cable come loose? Most importantly, does your roof require any repairs. If there are any loose or cracked tiles, flashing that has come away from the wall, or other damages , this is the perfect time to get it fixed.
Heating and cooling
Wondering why your home won't heat up. Check around windows and doors for large gaps. Not only does cold air come in, but heat escapes as well. Get yourself some draftproofing strips from the local hardware store and plug those gaps. Your house will not only be warmer, you'll save on electricity and gas as well.
If you have air conditioning, give it a workout to make sure it's up to the task ahead. If you don't, buy yourself a fan before the summer premium gets added to the price.
Insulation
Winter is the best time to get up into the attic or ceiling space and start padding with home insulation. As the hottest space in any home, there's nothing nice about working in a hot, sweaty ceiling space during the summer months. You'll also find that some hardware stores (Mica) have specials on home insulation.
Janice Anderssen is Women24's Decor and DIY expert. Ask her a question here or visit www.homedzine.co.za for more tips.
Garages, particularly the older variety, can come in for some serious hammer during the winter months. Strong winds are particularly damaging with seemingly robust structures suddenly becoming interesting garden features four doors down the road. If your garage or carport has an IBR (sheet metal) roof, check to see that bolts, screws and nuts have not rusted and that the sheeting is still firmly fastened. If you spot rust, get a tin of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust and prevent any further damage.
Creeping damp, leaks, compromised electrics and rusted hinges and mechanisms are all things to look out for and make note of, but perhaps sort out when it's warmer and calmer.
Knobs and knockers
Chances are you will have already noticed how that front door lock seemed to stiffen up after the rainy season. A judicious spray of Q20 lubrication will work wonders on most climate-afflicted locks.
Gutters
While not being pleasant, cleaning out of gutters is a good thing to do as it will help protect the exterior of your home from the worst excesses of those torrential summer downpours - or winter storms depending upon your location. While you're up there, inspect gutters and downspouts for leaks and patch up any suspect area.
Structure
Take the window in the climatic extremes as an opportunity to thoroughly inspect the outside of the property. Are there any new cracks or signs of damage? Just what was that strange banging sound to be heard in strong winds? Has an aerial cable come loose? Most importantly, does your roof require any repairs. If there are any loose or cracked tiles, flashing that has come away from the wall, or other damages , this is the perfect time to get it fixed.
Heating and cooling
Wondering why your home won't heat up. Check around windows and doors for large gaps. Not only does cold air come in, but heat escapes as well. Get yourself some draftproofing strips from the local hardware store and plug those gaps. Your house will not only be warmer, you'll save on electricity and gas as well.
If you have air conditioning, give it a workout to make sure it's up to the task ahead. If you don't, buy yourself a fan before the summer premium gets added to the price.
Insulation
Winter is the best time to get up into the attic or ceiling space and start padding with home insulation. As the hottest space in any home, there's nothing nice about working in a hot, sweaty ceiling space during the summer months. You'll also find that some hardware stores (Mica) have specials on home insulation.
Janice Anderssen is Women24's Decor and DIY expert. Ask her a question here or visit www.homedzine.co.za for more tips.
