Melbourne winter is tough on properties. Cold, wet weather, heavy rain events and strong winds expose every weakness in a building — gaps in seals, blocked gutters, rotting timber and neglected gardens all become more obvious and more costly when the weather turns.
This checklist covers the practical things Melbourne homeowners should check before and during winter. Work through it yourself, then call us for anything you'd rather not tackle alone.
Gutters and downpipes
Autumn leaf fall means gutters are at their most blocked just as the heavy rain season starts. Before the first serious winter rain:
- Clean gutters of leaves, pine needles and debris
- Check that downpipes are clear — run a hose through them to confirm
- Look for sagging gutter sections that may have pulled away from the fascia
- Check that water drains away from the house, not towards it
This is our single most-booked job leading into winter. Gutter cleaning is quick, affordable and prevents significantly more expensive problems.
Roof and exterior
- Check visible roof tiles from ground level — look for cracked, slipped or missing tiles
- Check the condition of ridge capping (the tiles along the peak of the roof)
- Look at silicone seals around skylights, roof penetrations and flashing — cracked silicone lets water in
- Check eaves and fascia boards for rot or soft spots, particularly under the gutters
Doors, windows and draught sealing
A cold Melbourne winter feels much worse in a draughty house — and a draughty house costs more to heat. Before winter:
- Check door seals — slide a piece of paper under closed external doors. If it slides freely, the seal needs replacing
- Look for gaps around window frames where caulking has cracked or pulled away
- Check that windows close and latch properly — sticking windows often need a minor adjustment, not replacement
- Check fly screens — a ripped screen you kept open in summer should be fixed before you want the window closed in winter
Good draught sealing can make a real difference to heating bills. Most of it is quick, cheap work. Home repairs and draught sealing is something we do regularly in the lead-up to winter.
Timber — decks, fences and cladding
Wet weather accelerates timber deterioration. Before winter sets in:
- Check deck boards for soft spots — wet timber rot progresses quickly
- Check fence posts at ground level — push them firmly to test for rot at the base
- Look at any exposed end-grain timber — end grain absorbs moisture rapidly and should be sealed
- If your deck hasn't been oiled or sealed in the past 12–18 months, apply a coat before the wet season begins — it's far easier to do in dry weather
Garden and drainage
Melbourne winter brings extended rain periods that can saturate garden beds and cause drainage problems:
- Clear garden beds of dead summer annuals and cut back overgrown shrubs before they get weighted down with water
- Check that paths and paved areas drain away from the house — pooling water near foundations is a problem
- Trim any branches that overhang the roof — wet, heavy branches are more likely to fall and cause damage
- Check that outdoor taps are not dripping — a drip that's been fine all summer can freeze in severe cold and cause a pipe issue
Inside the house
- Check ceilings for any water stains that might indicate a slow leak from the roof or gutters that you haven't noticed
- Test all smoke alarms — winter means heaters on and more indoor cooking
- Check that your heating system is working before you need it — a service call in May is far easier to book than one in the middle of a cold snap
- Check under-sink cabinets for any signs of moisture or slow leaks that have been out of sight
Making it manageable
The most effective approach is to do a single walk-around the property and make a list — then book one visit to work through everything. Most of the items on this list are small jobs individually, but batching them into a single visit is efficient and cost-effective.
We cover Epping, Thomastown, Lalor, South Morang, Mill Park, Mill Park Lakes, Mernda, Wollert, Doreen, Bundoora, Craigieburn, Mickleham and surrounding areas. Give us a call and we'll work through the list with you.