Home Repair Wairarapa
Your home is generally the most valuable asset. Yet unfortunately there is a tendency to ‘’overlook the little things” or “I will do that next week, next month or next year”. However, it’s keeping on top of those little things that can make a difference between a small (and relatively simple fix) versus a major (and expensive repair).
Regularly maintaining your home also optimises its value, extends the life of the building materials, enhances appearance, and allows early identification and fixing of minor issues before they become large problems.
This article looks at the common issues that I come across in the Wairarapa that should be considered by homeowners and property managers.
The number one overlooked area is the roof, gutters and downpipes.
For the roof the following checks should be undertaken (as applicable by roof type)
1. Corrosion / rust areas
2. Moss or lichen growth
3. Lifted roofing, flashings, ridge capping
4. Loose or missing fixings – nails, screws, lead heads rusted off
5. Water ponding
6. Faded paint
7. Gaps or cracks around roof penetrations (chimneys, flues, vents, skylights, entrance ways)
8. Cracked missing or dislodged tiles or shingles
9. Roofing that ends short of a gutter
10. Roof valley ends short of the gutter
11. Loss of or loose stone chips on metal tile roofs
All the above can be maintained relatively easily and it only needs to be a once-a-year check. It not looked after “gradual water damage” can require major repairs such as roof replacement, insulation replacement, internal ceiling replacement, rotten / damaged framing, rafters, roof joists and internal wall relining.
For the gutters the following checks should be undertaken (as applicable by gutter type):
1. Blocked gutters / downpipes
2. Cracked or broken guttering
3. Rust or corrosion
4. Loose downpipes
5. Broken or damaged downpipe storm water connections
6. Broken Downpipe gutter connections
As with the roof the above list can be maintained with relative ease. If not the most major issue is water getting into the barge boards (and causing rot) and water getting into the soffit and running into the side wall of the house (externally and internally)
Other areas to consider are chimneys / flues – build-up of soot, crumbling mortar, corrosion and loose fittings and TV / Sky dish connections and fittings.
The second most overlooked area in the Wairarapa is the moisture problems – both interior and exterior.
From an interior perspective – showers, baths, vanities, kitchen sinks and laundry tubs should be regularly checked for the following:
1. Pipework – Seals, connections, and joints for any moisture / dampness – use toilet paper and wipe around – if it goes damp there is a problem
2. Silicon joints – side top and bottom for any lifting, peeling or signs of mould
3. Cracked tiles and mouldy grout
4. Lifting vinyl or flooring material – especially in corners, front of showers and along baths
5. Water damaged walls and flooring – lifting paint or mould (I and around wet areas)
6. Damp or moist skirting or scotia
7. Stains, watermarks, mould on ceilings
8. Musty smell
9. Excess condensation on windows
From an exterior perspective – Doors, windows and cladding should be checked for the following:
1. Cracked, flaking, chalking paint
2. Moss / lichen
3. Corrosion on flashings
4. Corroded / missing fixings
5. Split, rotten, cupped weatherboards (especially ends and joints)
6. Worn, missing, cracked sealants
7. Loose cover board, scribers
8. Cracked, damaged putty
9. Cracked or broken glass
10. Corroded hinges / fittings
11. Gaps around window seals or sashes
12. Open joints or mitres
Admittedly, home maintenance can be tedious, and at times, overwhelming. But being proactive with a small investment of your time to check what’s happening in and around you home can have the following benefits:
1. Saving money in the longer term.
2. Reduce additional / further damage
3. Save energy
4. Increase home value
5. Minimise pests
6. Reduce stress
If in doubt, I am happy to help out and do a maintenance check for you.
