Your colder-months maintenance to-do list

Shorter, colder days coupled with rain and wind makes it hard to get motivated to do anything after a week of work. But there are things to do that need to be done, and here are my top few to add to your maintenance to-do list for the colder months.

CLEAR YOUR GUTTERS

If you haven’t already done it, then get the ladder out and clean the leaves from your gutters. The longer wet leaves sit in the gutter, the more they turn to compost. It’s the composted material that causes metal gutters to rust, and all gutters and drains to block. There are tools designed for the job, but you can save a buck by using a plastic coated wire coat hanger. Hangers can be shaped to fit just about any gutter, and save the hands from cuts and nicks. Only work from a ladder, and stay off the roof. Ladder falls are the ACC’s number one claim, so be safe. Have someone on the ground steadying the ladder, and move it to suit how far you can reach. Remember, most accidents are caused by overreaching. Collect all the material in a bucket – you can use it for compost - and the next bout of rain should do the rest. 

CLEAR YOUR SILT TRAPS

Grated drains and silt traps need attention too; not the most pleasant of jobs, but if the silt builds up in a silt trap or cesspit then it will cover the outlet and cause flooding. Here’s a quick diagram of how best to clear them out.

GET OUT THE WATER BLASTER

Believe it or not, now is the best time to water blast. All the dust, grime and algae has been loosened by the rain, but it needs an extra burst to remove it completely. Water blast your driveways and deck - but only soft wash houses, fences, and anything with a paint finish. Best results come with the best gear, so hire a decent blaster that suits the size of the job. 

GIVE YOUR GREEN THUMBS SOME EXERCISE

Gardening is not my strong point, but I do know that planting trees is easier in wet ground. It makes sense that the ground will be easier to dig, and that moisture in the earth will be good for the tree roots - and rainy days will save water and your time watering. Check with your garden centre expert on which plants and trees you can get in now. 

RELAX

There’s nothing more satisfying than a cold beer in front of the telly after a hard day’s work, and when it’s your own home you’re working on, you deserve a couple.

We want to hear from you

GoodHome should be an enjoyable and worthwhile place to visit filled with information that helps you to be the smartest homeowner you can be. We want to hear about anything you found useful or anything you didn’t, and anything you want to see more of that would help make this the perfect site for you - email us at goodhome@bnz.co.nz

This article is intended as a general discussion only. BNZ recommends the recipient get independent advice. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent those of BNZ or its related entities.