Winter is coming — and for landlords and property managers, that means one thing: risk season.
The colder months bring increased rainfall, lower daylight hours, and damp conditions that quietly expose every neglected part of your property’s exterior. A single missed maintenance task could lead to:
- Roof leaks
- Ceiling stains
- Renter complaints
- Insurance hassles
- And expensive repairs that were totally avoidable
At Metro Water Blasting, we work with landlords across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Christchurch to prevent these issues with timely, professional exterior cleaning services.
Here are the top 5 maintenance mistakes landlords make — and how to avoid them before winter sets in.
1. Ignoring Gutter Cleaning (Until It Leaks)
Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of roof and ceiling leaks in rentals.
Leaves, moss, and roof grit block the flow of water, especially in multi-unit or two-storey homes. When heavy rain hits, water overflows — not outward, but back into the roof cavity, soaking insulation and gib board.
👎 Common mistake:
Landlords assume gutters are clear because “it hasn’t caused a problem before.”
✅ Smart move:
Schedule gutter cleaning every 6–12 months, especially before winter.
👉 Book a professional gutter clean
2. Skipping Roof Moss Treatment
Moss and lichen trap water on your roof. Over time, they:
- Lift tiles
- Crack metal coatings
- Block roof valleys
- Cause leaks during storms
It’s especially dangerous on Colorsteel, Decramastic, and membrane roofs often found on rentals and apartments.
👎 Common mistake:
Assuming moss is “just cosmetic.”
✅ Smart move:
Apply a soft wash roof treatment every 1–2 years to kill moss at the root and protect the roof’s lifespan.
3. Letting Mould and Algae Take Over Exterior Walls
Exterior grime isn’t just ugly — it breaks down paint, holds moisture, and can contribute to indoor air issues.
Tenants will notice (and complain) if walls are green with mildew or algae — especially around decks, entryways, and shady sides of the home.
👎 Common mistake:
Waiting until the property is vacant to wash the house.
✅ Smart move:
Use soft house washing to clean walls without damaging paint or cladding — even while tenants are in place.
4. Not Maintaining Paths, Decks, and Driveways
Slippery surfaces are a major safety risk — and a liability for landlords.
Timber decks, concrete driveways, and exposed aggregate paths become mossy and slick in autumn/winter. If a tenant slips, it could result in injury — and legal action.
👎 Common mistake:
Leaving decks unwashed year after year
✅ Smart move:
Clean decks and driveways every 6–12 months to maintain grip and prevent mould growth.
👉 See concrete and deck cleaning options
5. Assuming Tenants Will Raise Exterior Issues
Most tenants won’t climb a ladder to check gutters or examine roof valleys — nor should they.
But that means small problems go unreported, and what could’ve been a $200 clean becomes a $5,000 repair.
👎 Common mistake:
Relying on tenants to monitor outdoor issues.
✅ Smart move:
Build exterior cleaning into your seasonal property maintenance plan.
Bonus: Why Winter Is the Best Time for Preventative Maintenance
Winter isn’t just high-risk — it’s also when damage gets worse faster:
- Moisture doesn’t dry out
- Mould spreads
- Minor issues become major problems
- Leaks are harder to repair in poor weather
Getting your house wash, roof treatment, gutter clean, and driveway clean sorted now saves time, money, and stress.
Book Your Winter Exterior Maintenance With Metro Water Blasting
We work with:
- Landlords with single or multiple properties
- Property managers and agencies
- Body corps and facilities managers
- Private investors and renovators
We service Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Christchurch and surrounding suburbs — with fast turnaround, no-mess service, and bundled pricing for multiple homes.
✅ Fully insured
✅ Before/after photos available
✅ Quiet, non-invasive service for tenanted properties
Ready to Avoid These Mistakes?
👉 Get in touch now to build a custom winter service plan — and keep your property protected.