PROPERTY NEWS - In the Western Cape, the winter season was blown in by gale force winds this year, causing unexpected damage to homes. Even for those who did not suffer damage to their homes, this was probably a wake-up call to ensure that their home is weathertight.
"Damages from extreme weather can not only be costly to fix, but they can also make life very unpleasant until the damages can be repaired," says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
"The repair work often takes longer to complete in stormy conditions. To avoid this, homeowners should do a bit of maintenance around their home to protect against the coming weather."
Goslett suggests adding a few decorative touches to minimise the amount of water and dirt trudged through the living spaces when people enter the home from outside.
"Investing in a quality doormat can protect your flooring against muddy stains. Add a coat rack near the entryway so that any wet items can be removed before walking through to the rest of the home," he suggests.
"These small additions can help protect the investment value of your property and prevent the need to pay for costly repairs."
Photo: www.chicagotribune.com
A homeowner needs to start at the home's exterior. Ensure that the house is weathertight and see to all other general maintenance, including checking the chimney flute and outside drains for blockages.
Conduct a roof inspection to check for loose shingles, cover the pool to prevent debris from falling in and clogging the filtering system, and trim back on large trees or shrubs near the home in case of strong winds.
Goslett also recommends checking your household insurance policy to find out if you are covered from damages that occur from extreme weather conditions, such as a tree blowing over and destroying your roof.
Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash
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