Winter can be tough on Australian homes. Heavy rain, strong winds, cold temperatures and damp conditions can leave behind damage that isn't always immediately obvious.
Spring is the ideal time to inspect your property and deal with problems before they become more expensive. A cracked roof tile, blocked gutter or small leak might seem minor now, but leaving it unattended could lead to bigger repairs later.
So, how do you check your home for winter damage?
Work your way around the property and inspect the roof, gutters, walls, windows, outdoor areas and internal rooms. Here's a practical spring checklist to help you spot common problems.
For a broader overview of what to check around your property this season, see our spring home maintenance checklist.
Before getting into the details, take a slow walk around the outside of your home.
Look for anything that appears different from before winter, including:
Pay particular attention to areas exposed to wind and rain.
You don't need to diagnose every problem yourself. The goal is simply to identify anything that looks unusual so you know where to investigate further.
Your roof takes the brunt of Australia's winter weather, particularly during periods of heavy rain and strong winds.
From the ground, look for cracked, broken or missing roof tiles, damaged flashing, loose roofing materials and anything that appears out of place.
Don't climb onto the roof to investigate if you aren't equipped or experienced to do so. A professional roofer can safely inspect areas that aren't visible from ground level.
Also look inside your roof cavity, if it's safe and accessible. Look for signs such as damp insulation, water marks, mould or daylight coming through where it shouldn't.
Even if you can't see an obvious leak, a licensed roofer can help identify damage before it turns into a larger roofing problem.
Gutters can collect plenty of leaves, dirt and debris throughout winter.
Blocked or damaged gutters can prevent rainwater from draining properly, potentially causing overflow and water damage around your home's walls, roofline and foundations.
Check for:
Spring is a particularly useful time to clear your gutters before storm season and summer rainfall arrive.
If your roof is high, steep or difficult to access, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaner rather than risking a fall.
Some winter damage only becomes obvious indoors.
Walk through your home and inspect ceilings, walls, floors and areas around windows for signs of moisture.
Common warning signs include:
Don't simply paint over a water stain. If moisture is still getting into the property, the underlying source needs to be identified and repaired.
A plumber, roofer or other relevant tradie can help determine where the water is coming from and what needs to be fixed.
Winter rain and wind can expose problems with window and door seals.
Look closely at frames and surrounding walls for water stains, mould, damaged sealant or signs that water has been getting inside.
Open and close windows and doors to make sure they still operate properly. Check for damaged weather seals, gaps and draughts.
Small gaps might seem like a cosmetic issue, but poorly sealed windows and doors can make it harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
If seals are cracked or deteriorating, a glazier, handyman or appropriate building professional may be able to repair or replace them.
Take a close look at your home's external walls once winter is over.
Rain and moisture can cause paint to peel, blister or deteriorate. Cracks may also become more noticeable after periods of wet weather.
Look for:
Don't assume every crack is serious, but don't ignore significant or growing cracks either. If you're concerned about structural movement or substantial damage, have it assessed by a suitably qualified professional.
Timber can suffer after months of exposure to rain and moisture.
Inspect decks, balconies, stairs, pergolas and other timber structures for soft or rotten boards, cracks, loose screws, damaged railings and signs of mould.
Pay particular attention to areas where water tends to collect.
If timber feels soft underfoot or you notice significant deterioration, avoid using the affected area until it has been assessed.
A carpenter or decking professional can determine whether individual boards can be repaired or whether a larger section needs replacing.
Strong winds, saturated ground and heavy rain can affect structures around your property. Check fences and gates for leaning posts, loose panels, damaged hinges and signs of rot.
Retaining walls should also be inspected for obvious movement, cracking, bulging or drainage problems.
These issues are worth addressing early because deterioration can become more difficult and expensive to repair.
If you're unsure whether a structure is stable, don't try to fix it yourself. Get the appropriate professional fencer to assess it.
Winter can leave gardens looking a little worse for wear, but you're looking for more than just messy plants.
Check trees for broken, dead or unstable branches, particularly branches hanging over your roof, driveway or outdoor areas.
Look for signs of soil erosion, waterlogging or damaged garden structures as well.
Large trees and branches can be dangerous to remove yourself. If you're concerned about a tree's stability or need substantial pruning, hire a qualified arborist.
It's especially useful to address potential hazards before storm season brings stronger winds and heavy rain.
Cool and wet winter conditions can create ideal conditions for mould.
Check bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes, bedrooms, window frames and other poorly ventilated areas.
Look for visible mould, musty smells, condensation and recurring damp patches.
If mould keeps returning after cleaning, there may be an underlying moisture or ventilation problem. Treating the visible mould without addressing its source may only provide a temporary solution.
For persistent damp or mould, consider getting the issue professionally assessed by a mould removalist.
Winter rainfall can reveal drainage problems around your property.
Walk around the yard after rain if possible and look for areas where water pools rather than draining away.
Check outdoor taps, pipes and drainage points for leaks or damage. Make sure stormwater isn't being directed towards your home's walls or foundations.
Poor drainage can contribute to dampness, erosion and other property problems, so it's worth addressing before heavier summer rainfall.
A plumber or drainage professional can investigate problems that aren't easily resolved with basic cleaning.
Once you've completed your inspection, write down everything you've noticed.
Separate the jobs into three categories:
Urgent: Safety hazards, active leaks, major structural concerns or significant electrical problems.
Soon: Damaged gutters, deteriorating timber, plumbing issues and other problems that could worsen if ignored.
Routine: Painting, cleaning, minor cosmetic repairs and general maintenance.
This makes it easier to work out where your time and budget should go first.
If you're not sure how serious something is, getting professional advice can be worthwhile. A tradie can assess the issue and explain what needs to be repaired rather than leaving you to guess.
Don't wait for the next major storm or a hot summer day to expose a problem you've already noticed.
For roofing, guttering, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, tree maintenance and other specialist jobs, it's often safer and more cost-effective to bring in a professional.
You can use ServiceSeeking.com.au to find local tradies for jobs around your home. Post the work you need done, receive quotes and compare businesses based on the options available to you.
Checking for winter damage is just one part of getting your property ready for the warmer months. Once you've inspected the obvious problem areas, it's worth working through a complete spring home maintenance checklist to catch other jobs before summer arrives.
The key is to catch issues early.
If you find repairs that are beyond your DIY skills, you can find the right professional through ServiceSeeking. Getting those jobs sorted now can help you head into summer with a safer, more comfortable home and fewer unexpected repair bills.