If you own a home, complex, or business space in Cape Town, you already know: wind, salt air, sun, and seasonal rain will test every surface of your building.
The most innovative way to protect your property (and your budget) is not a once-off “big fix” when things start falling apart. It is small, and requires regular maintenance now.
The most innovative way to protect your property (and your budget) is not a once-off “big fix” when things start falling apart. It is small, and requires regular maintenance now.
Why “fix it later” becomes expensive fast
Why “fix it later” becomes expensive fast
Waiting for your property to be properly damaged by the elements before stepping in is not the most economical maintenance strategy. Hear us out:
Deferred maintenance multiplies costs
Deferred maintenance multiplies costs
South African research confirms that skimping on maintenance does not equal saving money – on the contrary. According to a study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), reducing maintenance spending actually diminishes an asset’s value by more than the money saved. It also triggers extra costs from breakdowns and emergency repairs.
This does not even account for knock-on expenses, such as business disruptions, which could also add up to a nasty sum.
Water finds a way
Water finds a way
Small cracks, hairline plaster failures, and deteriorated sealants allow moisture to enter. Left alone, that turns into damp ingress, blistering paint, timber rot, structural repairs, and more – especially along our coast. All these issues eventually amount to costly repairs.
Moreover, possessions within a building that is not fully waterproof can perish – again adding to the cost of delayed maintenance.
Energy waste creeps in
Energy waste creeps in
Poorly sealed roofs and building envelopes force HVAC systems to work harder, upping the electricity bill. On the other hand, proactive maintenance lowers energy use and extends asset lifespan.
In other words, not doing property maintenance is a “waste of energy.”
What preventative maintenance in Cape Town looks like
What preventative maintenance in Cape Town looks like
Done right, preventative maintenance is simple, scheduled, and budget-friendly. Here’s what we recommend for Cape Town properties:
- Annual building inspection. A professional once-over to check hairline cracks, sealants, parapets, flashings, roof sheets/tiles, gutters, and downpipes.
- Repainting on a proper cycle. Exterior coatings are not just about pretty colours – they are your first weather barrier. A quality repaint (with prep) protects and delays costly repairs.
- Targeted waterproofing. Address high-risk areas before they leak: flat roofs, balconies, box gutters, parapet tops, and wall-to-roof junctions. Proactive waterproofing and re-sealing beats emergency torch-on or substrate replacement later.
- Roof cleaning and upkeep. Remove moss, salt deposits, and debris; repair fasteners; recoat where needed. Regular roof cleaning and painting extend roof life and keep water out.
- Gutter care. Keep gutters flowing and lined – a failed box gutter can escalate into interior damage fast.
What preventative maintenance in Cape Town looks like
What preventative maintenance in Cape Town looks like
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Full inspection, crack sealing, parapet and flashing checks, gutter cleaning after winter.
- Early summer (Nov–Dec): Exterior repainting and roof recoats (ideal curing conditions).
- Late summer (Jan–Mar): Balcony/flat-roof membrane checks, re-seal movement joints.
- Autumn (Apr–May): Pre-rainy season audit, clean roofs and gutters, patch and prime any exposed areas.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Reactive touch-ups as needed, schedule major items for the next dry window
Next step? Call the experts!
Next step? Call the experts!
Choosing Coastal Painting and Waterproofing for regular property maintenance means you access our local expertise across Cape Town, our 20+ years’ experience in residential, commercial, and industrial properties, our supervised teams, quality materials, guaranteed work, and professional, transparent advice. We will tell you what needs to be done now (and do it masterfully) versus what can be scheduled into a sensible plan for later.
Convinced? Contact us, and we will take care of your property to save you money in the long run.
