Before the first rains: a home checklist for Cyprus

Roof and terrace waterproofing

Many homes in Cyprus have flat concrete roofs and open terraces. Months of sun can crack the waterproofing coat, lift the edges of membranes and dry out the sealant around pipes, railings and the solar heater frame.

What to check, from a safe spot and in dry weather:

• Cracks, bubbles or peeling patches in the roof or terrace coating.
• Gaps where the roof meets walls, parapets and pipes.
• Old stains on the ceilings and upper walls inside, especially in top-floor rooms. They often show where water got in last year.
• Tiles on a terrace that sound hollow when tapped or move underfoot.

Only go up if there's safe access and someone else at home. Don't go onto a roof when it's wet or windy. If the coating looks worn across a large area, you may need a waterproofing specialist rather than a patch repair, so ask about this in your request.

Request a handyman for sealing and small repairs: Request a handyman

Gutters, downpipes and drains

Dust, sand and leaves collect over the summer. When the first heavy shower comes, a blocked outlet can turn a terrace or balcony into a shallow pond, and the water then finds its way under doors or through the slab.

• Clear leaves and dirt from gutters, roof outlets and balcony and terrace drains.
• Pour a bucket of water into each outlet and watch that it drains away quickly.
• Check that downpipes are fixed to the wall and that water comes out at the bottom, away from the walls of the house.
• Look at yard drains and the grates near garage ramps, which often catch the most debris.

If water backs up, you hear gurgling, or a drain smells, there may be a blockage further down that needs a plumber.

Request a plumber for blocked drains and downpipes: Request a plumber

Switch the AC to heating, and get it serviced

Many homes use split air conditioners for heat in winter. After a summer of cooling, the filters and indoor coils are usually dusty, and a dirty unit heats less well.

• Wash the filters yourself (switch the unit off first) and let them dry fully.
• Run each unit on heat for a while on a cool evening. Notice whether it warms the room, makes new noises or smells musty.
• Check that the outdoor units are clear of leaves and stored items.

A professional service cleans the coil, fan and drain properly, and gives the technician a chance to spot problems before the cold weeks. If a unit needs refrigerant gas, the work must be done by a technician certified to handle these gases. Our AC servicing guide covers what a service should include.

Request an AC technician: Request AC service

Check the solar water heater

Most of the year the sun does the work, but on grey winter days you rely on the backup and on a tank that doesn't leak.

• Look at the panels: cracked glass, heavy dirt or loose fixings to the roof.
• Look under and around the tank for drips, rust marks or damp patches on the roof.
• Check the cold-water tank lid is on and secure.
• Find the switch or timer for the electric backup element, and check the hot water gets hot when you use it. If it doesn't, the element or thermostat may need a look.

Leave anything involving electrics or work at height to a professional. If you're not sure which switch controls the heater, ask the plumber to label it on the visit.

Request a plumber for the solar water heater: Request a plumber

Damp and mould

Winter air in Cyprus can be damp, and many homes are built for heat rather than cold. Black spots often appear in corners, behind wardrobes, around window frames and in bathrooms.

• Clean small patches of mould early with a suitable product, following the label, and keep the room ventilated while you do it.
• Air rooms every day, even briefly, and use the extractor fan or open a window when showering and cooking.
• Leave a small gap between large furniture and outside walls.
• Check window seals and the silicone around baths and showers. Gaps let water in and are easy to redo.

If the same patch keeps coming back, or there's a damp line low on a wall, it may be a leak, a roof problem or rising damp. Ask a pro to find the cause rather than just repainting.

What to put in your request

A clear request gets clearer quotes. Include:

• Where: town and area, and whether it's a house, a flat (which floor) or a roof you can reach.
• What: what you've noticed and where ("stain on bedroom ceiling below the terrace", "balcony drain slow", "two split units to service and switch to heating").
• Size: roughly how big the roof or terrace is, how many AC units, the type of solar heater if you know it.
• Access: stairs, ladder, a roof hatch, parking.
• Photos: a few clear pictures help pros understand the job before they visit.
• Timing: when you'd like it done, and whether it's urgent.

Posting a job on Ergo is free. We pass it to independent local pros who cover your area, so they can contact you with their own quotes, and you agree the price and the work with them directly.