Winter Property Maintenance: Preventing Costly Repairs in Cold Months

Clearing blocked gutters is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly water damage during winter — especially in older regional homes.

Winter’s here - and with it comes a spike in property damage across regional Victoria. From leaking roofs to mould outbreaks, June is when we see small issues turn into big repair jobs.

The good news? Many of these problems are avoidable with a few simple checks and the right maintenance. Here’s what to look out for, and how Kepal can help you stay ahead of the damage.

Why Winter is a High-Risk Season for Homes and Buildings

Cold, wet weather puts every part of a building under pressure. Water finds its way in through cracked seals and blocked gutters. Heating systems fail when you need them most. Poor ventilation leads to mould - especially in older properties or homes with existing damp.

Left unchecked, these issues can lead to structural damage, high repair bills, and even health risks for tenants or vulnerable residents. We see it every year. The key is acting early - before it becomes urgent.

What We’re Seeing on Site Right Now

Working across regional Victoria, our team gets called to a range of winter issues - many of which could’ve been prevented:

• Leaking roofs and ceiling damage from missing tiles or cracked flashing

• Blocked gutters overflowing into walls and eaves

• Cold air and heat loss through unsealed windows and gaps in cladding

• Water-damaged flooring and carpets from pipe bursts

• Mould outbreaks in poorly ventilated bathrooms, laundries, or bedrooms

• Heating system breakdowns in tenanted or older homes

• 
  

If you’re already seeing signs - like damp patches, musty smells, or unusual cold spots - now’s the time to act.

Winter Property Maintenance Checklist

Want to stay ahead of common winter damage? Start with this straightforward checklist:

• Clear gutters and downpipes

• Inspect the roof for loose tiles, rusted flashing, or pooling water

• Check external walls for cracks or signs of water ingress

• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents

• Test heaters and hot water systems

• Review ventilation, especially in bathrooms and laundries

• Book a mould assessment if the property has a history of damp

  
  

Even one or two of these actions can prevent major repair work later in the year.

Why Mid-Winter is the Right Time to Act

We’re already seeing peak conditions for water damage and mould - and tradie availability tightens as winter rolls on. Waiting it out usually means bigger bills, longer repair timelines, and more tenant complaints.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or managing social housing stock, the best time to act is now, while problems are still manageable and before they do real damage.

Kepal: Maintenance You Can Count On

Kepal Building Services works across regional Victoria delivering professional, reliable maintenance and repair services for:

• Government and social housing

• Private residential homes

• Commercial properties

• Insurance and emergency response jobs

We handle everything from mould remediation to roofing, plumbing, heating, and structural repairs. Our team knows how to spot issues early - and how to fix them properly.

Need a Winter Maintenance Check or Urgent Repair?

Whether it’s preventative maintenance or a fix that can’t wait, Kepal is ready to help. We work across Victoria’s regional areas to keep homes, buildings, and essential services running safely through winter.

Get in touch to book a call-out or inspection.