Simple home maintenance safety tips

Routine roof and gutter maintenance is crucial to reduce the risk of fire and water damage caused by the build-up of debris*. Unfortunately, home maintenance can often be treated as a low priority until it’s too late. It can be human nature to put things off like roof maintenance and not consider it an immediate problem. But if the worst does happen like a fire or water damage, the cost can be enormous down the track**. A proactive approach can save you valuable time, money and stress. Simple steps like these can help you protect you and your home.

Roof maintenance

Inspect your roof twice a year

The roof is exposed to the full brunt of the weather on a daily basis, and is your first line of defence against the elements. Which is why it’s especially important to inspect your roof and ceiling at least twice a year. What to look for:

• Mould
• Rust
• Rotting wood
• Missing, damaged, or ageing cladding and flashings
• Water stains, drips, or moisture on the walls or ceiling.

While you may be able to look quickly from the ground level or from a ladder on firm footing, most of us aren’t experts. The roof is no place for amateur DIY. At no point should you go rogue, clambering over potentially damp, mossy tiles. You may want to seek help from an expert who can safely check and perform on-the-spot repairs for areas that are out of reach.

Address water damage ASAP

Water damage or other liquid damage should be addressed quickly before mould or other permanent damage develops. Like many maintenance issues, leaks from domestic home appliances, hot water tanks, fixed pipes, gutters etc often aren’t apparent until it’s too late.

Gutter maintenance

Clear your gutters

Aim to clean out your gutters two or three times throughout the year so they don’t become blocked, which can lead to overflow and flooding. Leaves aren’t the only issue, however. Clogged gutters also provide the perfect home for nasties like insects, rodents and mould.

Safety first

Before you start, make sure you have a sturdy ladder, rubber gloves and, preferably, a capable helper. If you don’t live in a single-storey house, it’s a job for professionals.

Remove debris to prevent blockages. It’s also advisable to trim any overhanging tree branches that are encroaching on your roof and dropping leaves.

By keeping your home in top condition and undertaking maintenance proactively, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of having to make a claim or pay for costly repairs further down the line.

Note: Talk to your insurer about what is and isn’t covered in your policy. Some policies do not cover you for loss or damage to your home due to wear, which includes depreciation, gradual deterioration and wear and tear due to lack of maintenance.

Find out more about Allianz Home & Contents Insurance. Purchase your policy through us today to consolidate your building insurance and banking in one place. To find out how you can protect what matters most, visit www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/insurance or call us on 13 19 87.

Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.

*Why regular gutter cleaning is important - Laneway Magazine

**Six expensive home repairs you can avoid with a little maintenance - Lifehacker.com.au

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (“Allianz”). Information contained in this article is accurate as at 16 03 2021 and may be subject to change. In some cases information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article. 

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