Home maintenance: five key areas that need your attention
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.
The upkeep of your most cherished and expensive asset – your home and its contents – can save you money in the long run by preventing damage or loss caused by wear and tear, which is not covered by TIO’s Home Insurance Buildings & Contents Cover. We’ve put together a list of jobs that you can do around the house this weekend to maintain your home and help avoid bigger and more expensive issues down the track.
1. Clean out the gutters
Gutters clogged with leaves and sticks can cause problems in the wet season, as they can cause water to overflow, damaging your ceilings, walls and contents. Regular roof and gutter maintenance can reduce the likelihood of damage occurring.
Gunky gutters also provide the perfect home for nasties like insects, rodents and mould (more about these guys at point three).
Tip: aim to clean out your gutters every four to six months so they don’t become blocked and cause problems in the long run. Please ensure you follow safety precautions while cleaning gutters or engage help if necessary.
2. Inspect the roof
Your house is exposed to the elements every day, so it’s important to regularly inspect your roof and ceiling for:
- missing, damaged and aging cladding and flashings,
- rotting wood,
- mould and
- a leaky roof such as water stains, drips and moisture on the walls or ceiling.
Remember that TIO Home Insurance will only cover you for damage caused by an insured event. That means we won’t cover you for loss or damage to your home due to wear and tear, which includes depreciation, gradual deterioration, mould or lack of maintenance.
If you need a hand with inspecting, maintaining or repairing your roof, contact a qualified roofer or builder. In between inspections, watch for signs of a leaky roof such as water stains, drips and moisture on the walls or ceiling and get repairs seen to immediately.
Tip: Prices for repair or replacement of your home can increase due to high demand for building materials and services following a severe weather event. You can choose to add disaster cover to increase the level of insurance for your home buildings. Please note a 72-hour exclusion period may apply after you first take out or increase the cover on your policy for loss or damage caused by cyclone, flood or storm surge.
3. Show pests the door
Pesky intruders, such as termites, cockroaches, ants and possums, can wreak havoc on your home’s fixtures, fittings and structure. By having regular professional inspections you can catch a pest problem early and prevent major structural damage, saving you time, money and heartache in the long run. However, it's important to know that TIO Home Insurance typically won’t cover you for loss or damage caused by vermin or insects.
4. Repair the deck
For many Territorians, spending time on the deck is part of the outdoor lifestyle we enjoy so much. Our beloved decks can often be exposed to the elements. Over time wear, tear and degradation is common. To minimise potential injuries caused by a deck collapsing or falling apart, take the time to inspect your deck for rotting wood, weathering, termites and other damage. It’s important to know that TIO Home Insurance won’t cover you for loss or damage caused by wear or tear, mould or insects.
5. Clean your air conditioners
Permanently fixed air conditioners are commonly covered under Home Buildings Insurance. Making sure filters are cleaned or replaced regularly will help you extend their life and potential repairs. It’s not uncommon for claims relating to air conditioner damage due to poor maintenance to be refused.
Before making a decision please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) /Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS (where applicable). These documents, together with the relevant Target Market Determination, are available on the TIO website.
This article has been prepared by TIO. Information contained in this article is accurate as at 1st August 2023 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 TIO, 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.
