Regular house maintenance that can help with home insurance

Why home maintenance matters for insurance

It’s prudent to familiarise yourself with your home insurance policy, so that you know what is and is not covered. Home insurance policies generally do not cover wear and tear consistent with normal or gradual deterioration of your home. 
 
RACV General Manager Home Bill Bloodworth says that it’s important for homeowners to take reasonable steps to maintain their homes, as neglecting routine maintenance can increase the risk of incidents occurring, and even the severity of the damage. 
 
“Sometimes your home appears to be in fine working condition, but things are deteriorating in your roof, behind walls or below ground.  
 
“If damage from an insured event could have been prevented through regular home maintenance, you might not be covered when you make a claim. For example, if a storm occurs and causes damage in your home, but you had pre-existing roof leaks and clogged gutters, then at least part of that damage could be attributed to pre-existing damage or lack of maintenance.”

More: Regular home safety and maintenance checks

Key maintenance areas to focus on

Address these home maintenance issues as quickly as possible, especially those pertaining to electrical and water damage. 

Prioritise safety at all times. If the task is risky, requires specialist equipment, training or a licence, or you think it may be beyond your skill or physical ability, always get a licensed tradesperson to do it for you.

Roof and gutters

Clear your gutters

How often: Every six months, more often if you have a lot of overhanging vegetation.

Regularly clear your gutters so that they don't become clogged and cause a leak. Leaves, sticks and other debris can block your gutters and pipes over time. In the wet season, this can cause water to overflow and potentially damage your ceilings or walls. Blocked gutters can also attract insects while in the dry season it can even become kindling for bushfires.

Have your roof inspected

How often: Yearly

A qualified roofing professional can inspect your roof for leaks, loose, cracked or missing tiles, rusted tin or metal, cracked or dislodged tile mortar, rusted or damaged flashings, debris or moss build-up, and even nearby tree branches that may cause damage in the future.

In between inspections, watch out for drips or water stains on your ceiling and walls, and call a professional if you find them.

Plumbing and wet areas

Check your flexi hoses

How often: Every few months, more often if you notice damage or leaks

Help prevent hidden water leaks by regularly checking your flexi hoses. This type of hosing is commonly used to connect fixtures to the main water supply and is often hidden behind appliances or under cabinets - meaning leaks can go undetected for a long time if not checked for regularly. 

Check for water leaks

How often: Every few months.

If you notice water damage or a water leak, you should address the issue straight away. Left unchecked, water leaks can cause serious structural damage as well as mould. 

Leaks aren't always visible so be alert for evidence of hidden water leaks such as:

• damp pipes
• water stains
• rust
• mould
• calcification
• unusually muddy or green spots in your garden (external water leaks)
• unusually high water bills.

Fix clogs and drips ASAP

How often: Fix as soon as noticed

Fix clogged sinks, dishwashers and toilets as soon as they're detected. Clogged plumbing appliances can cause larger problems to your plumbing if not unclogged promptly.

You can help prevent clogs in the first place by knowing what you can and can't put down the sink or toilet. 

Pests 

Remove conditions conducive to pests

How often: As soon as apparent.

Termites and rodents can cause significant damage to your home. While no home is entirely pest-proof, you can minimise the chances of an infestation by making your home less appealing to pests. 

This can be achieved by:

• Disposing of food scraps and waste immediately into a secure container
• Keeping gutters clean
• Patching up cracks and holes in your property
• Addressing water leaks immediately
• Avoiding garden beds or mulch directly next to walls or timber fences
• Not storing wood or other cellulose materials directly next to or under your house
• Having a qualified pest controller assess your home if you are concerned. 

Always check your home insurance policy and relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for any conditions and exclusions relating to pest damage.

Mould and damp

Eliminate mould and mould-causing conditions

How often: Immediately.

Mould is a serious problem that can affect your health, your home’s structural integrity and your possessions. It can also signify your home has hidden water damage.

Unless arising from loss or damage covered by a listed event, mould is often excluded from home insurance policies. It is important to read the limits, exclusions and conditions in the PDS. 

Moist, damp areas without proper ventilation are at risk of growing mould: your laundry, bathroom and kitchen are all vunerable. If you experience dampness, musty smells, or discoloured walls or ceilings, it could be a sign of mould.

Learn how to prevent, identify and treat mould in your home so you can take immediate action to safeguard your home and contents. You should also reseal or replace grouting and silicone sealants in your showers and bathrooms whenever it loosens or turns black. Without well-maintained grout, water may seep under the tiles and cause hidden mould.

Read more: What to know about buying a dehumidifier. 

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}