Cape Town's winter rain has a way of finding every weak spot in a building. A quick check in late summer or autumn gives you time to sort out problems before they turn into damp walls and damaged ceilings.
Roofs and parapets
- Look for cracked, lifting or blistered waterproofing on flat roofs.
- Check for areas where water pools after rain.
- Inspect parapet walls and their tops, where cracks often let water in.
- On pitched roofs, look for cracked or slipped tiles and damaged ridge capping.
Gutters and downpipes
Clear leaves and debris, and make sure downpipes are not blocked and drain away from the building. Overflowing gutters are one of the most common causes of damp walls.
Flashings and joints
Check the seals around chimneys, skylights, vents and anywhere the roof meets a wall. Old sealant shrinks and cracks over time.
Walls and paint
Hairline cracks in exterior walls let water in during driving rain. Fill and seal them, and consider repainting with a quality exterior paint if the old coat is chalky or peeling.
Windows and doors
Check the seals and rubbers on aluminium windows and sliding doors, and make sure drainage holes in the frames are clear.
Signs of damp inside
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Brown stains on ceilings
- A musty smell or mould in corners
Damp inside usually means water is getting in somewhere outside, so it pays to find the source rather than just repaint.
Spotted something that needs attention? Talk to us about waterproofing and maintenance. If your repair list keeps growing, our guide to deciding which maintenance jobs come first can help you plan the work.
