Looking after your home in winter

Cold weather can be hard on our homes, our health and our tamariki. We want to help, so we’re supporting our partner Variety – the Children Charity with their Winter Appeal, donating another 100 bedding packs to give more Kiwi kids a warm place to dream. We’ve also put together a few tips to help you get your home ready for the winter ahead.

Maintain your property

Maintain your fences and retaining walls, especially if they are starting to shift or fall, and look out for any cracks on walkways and steps.

Don’t let gardens build up too close to external walls of the house and keep an eye on mature trees growing next to fences, foundations or power lines. The last thing you need is a branch damaging your home in the middle of a storm.

Service your gutters

Clear gutters regularly to prevent them from clogging up. Make sure all gutters and drainpipes are attached properly, and water is draining away from the house or garage. Poorly maintained gutters could cause water to overflow and pool in a certain place, which could cause long-term damage to your home and its foundations. For those in more southern climates, snow straps on guttering will help support them if there’s a heavy fall.

Drain your pipes and hoses

Outside, disconnect and drain garden hoses to prevent icy water leaking onto paths or into your garden. This will also help to avoid any bursts and save you buying a new hose come springtime.

If you’re heading away, turn the water off and clear the pipes in your home so they’re free of water. If you live somewhere that is prone to freezing temperatures, doing this will avoid pipes bursting if any water inside freezes.

Look out for leaks

Ensure the roof is regularly checked for any cracks, leaks and damage. Water damage, mould, or blistering paint on your ceiling could also indicate a leaky roof.

If you have an inexplicably high water bill, your water pipes could be the culprit. Leaks can damage your walls, floors and ceilings so be sure to investigate if you see any clues, such as changes to walls and floors, including around showers and baths. Check out our blog for more information on gradual damage.

Avoid accidents and injuries

Prevent slippery paths, steps and driveways by spraying an ice and water repellent solution on them before they freeze. You can also use sand, clay-based kitty litter or rock salt but be aware salt can damage grass and plants.

Heat your home safely

Don’t place heaters in areas with restricted airflow because they may overheat and become a fire hazard. Remember the heater-metre rule: always keep furniture, curtains, clothes, and children and pets at least one metre away from heaters and fireplaces. Never cover your heaters or store items on them.

When using high wattage appliances like heaters, avoid overloading your powerpoints or multiboards as this can be a fire hazard. Always ensure the area around is well ventilated and is clear of anything that can burn or catch fire. If you can, use multiboards that have a build-in overload protection device.

Keep the warmth in

Unless your windows are in direct sunlight, keep your drapes and blinds closed to hold the heat in your home. Draught stoppers on doors and windows are a simple, cost-effective solution to keeping your home warm. Read our blog for more tips on keeping your house warm and dry in winter.