Autumn in Ireland brings rain, gusty winds, and early frosts that quickly expose weak points in your home exterior.

Even small cracks in masonry, leaks in gutters, or unprotected timber can lead to damp, rot, and costly repairs if left unattended.

Proactive maintenance now saves time, money, and stress during the harsher winter months.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps to safeguard your home exterior:

Crack & gap repairs — prevent water damage, damp, and structural issues

Timber protection — preserve the longevity, stability, and appearance of outdoor wood

Guttering & drainage maintenance — avoid overflowing water, flooding, and blocked channels

Exterior furniture & timber protection — maintain durability and visual appeal throughout autumn

Quick safety & maintenance tips — reduce hazards and protect your home before winter

Let’s dive in:

Repair cracks, gaps & leaks

Small cracks in masonry, gaps around windows, or leaks in gutters might seem minor, but in Ireland’s wet and windy autumn weather, they can quickly escalate into serious problems.

Water seeping through walls or roof joints can lead to damp interiors, mould growth, and even structural damage, while leaks in gutters or downpipes can cause pooling water and damage to foundations.

Tackling these issues early not only protects your home but also saves you time, stress, and costly repairs during winter.

How to fix it:

Sealing cracks and gaps effectively requires the right materials, chosen according to the type of surface and the extent of the damage.

• For masonry, roof flashings, and window joints:
  Sikaflex All-in-One is a high-performance sealant that is flexible, weatherproof, and durable, providing a long-lasting barrier against rain and frost. Apply it carefully along cracks or gaps to form a watertight seal.
• For outdoor joints, gutters, and downpipes:
  Flex Tape or Flashing Tape offer quick, waterproof solutions. The rubberised surface adheres instantly, forming a strong, temporary or semi-permanent fix that prevents leaks from worsening during autumn storms.
• For minor structural repairs to timber or masonry:
  Tec7 or Gorilla Glue can be used to bond loose pieces or reinforce weakened areas. These adhesives are particularly useful for wooden fascia boards, loose masonry fragments, or small decorative elements.

Step-by-step DIY guide for sealing a masonry crack:

1. Clean the area – Remove dust, loose mortar, and debris from the crack with a stiff brush or a vacuum. Dry the surface if possible, as most sealants adhere best to clean, dry surfaces.
2. Prepare the sealant – Cut the nozzle of the Sikaflex All-in-One at an angle to match the width of the crack. Load into a caulking gun if needed.
3. Apply the sealant – Squeeze a continuous bead along the length of the crack. For deeper cracks, fill in layers gradually rather than all at once.
4. Smooth the surface – Use a damp finger or a sealant smoothing tool to ensure the sealant is pressed firmly into the crack and has a neat finish.
5. Optional reinforcement – For joints exposed to heavy rain, apply a layer of Flashing Tape over the sealant once it has cured slightly, for extra protection.
6. Inspect after rain – Check the repair after heavy rainfall to ensure the seal remains intact and no water is seeping through.

Additional tips:

• Always wear gloves when handling sealants or strong adhesives.
• For larger cracks or structural concerns, consider professional advice to avoid long-term damage.
• Keep a small stock of flexible sealants and tapes on hand during autumn — they’re perfect for quick emergency fixes when unexpected leaks appear.

By addressing these small but critical issues now, you prevent water damage, protect timber and masonry, and ensure your home is winter-ready.

Strengthen & protect timber structures

Timber fences, decking, garden sheds, and raised beds are particularly vulnerable during Ireland’s damp and frosty autumn months.

Without proper protection, moisture can seep into cracks, causing warping, rot, and structural weakening.

Left unchecked, this can lead to costly repairs or the need to replace timber altogether.

Protecting timber now preserves its longevity, stability, and appearance while reducing the need for emergency fixes later.

How to protect it:

• For timber joints, cracks, and small gaps:
  Linseed Oil Putty is ideal. It penetrates joints and gaps, creating a moisture-resistant barrier that prevents frost damage and decay. Apply carefully with a putty knife, pressing firmly into cracks.

• For timber fixings and cement supports:
  SBR Bond or Waterproofer Plasticiser strengthens the substrate supporting timber posts, decking, or raised beds. Mix or coat according to instructions to enhance durability and reduce water penetration.

Step-by-step DIY guide for timber protection:

1. Inspect timber thoroughly – Look for cracks, loose joints, or signs of early rot.
2. Clean surfaces – Remove dirt, moss, or old paint with a wire brush or mild detergent solution.
3. Treat joints and cracks – Apply Linseed Oil Putty into gaps using a putty knife, ensuring full coverage.
4. Apply protective coat – Use Waterproofer Plasticiser or a timber sealer to coat exposed surfaces. Apply evenly with a brush, working along the grain.
5. Allow to dry – Give products time to fully absorb and cure before exposing the timber to rain.

Additional tips:

• Focus on areas most exposed to rain and frost, such as tops of posts, edges of decking, and corners of raised beds.
• Reapply treatments annually for maximum protection.
• Regularly check for loose nails or screws and reinforce with strong adhesives like Tec7 or Gorilla Glue if needed.

By strengthening and sealing timber now, you reduce future maintenance costs, prevent rot, and keep garden structures safe for the entire winter.

Guttering & drainage maintenance

Blocked gutters and drainage channels can cause overflowing water, damp walls, and even foundation damage.

Autumn in Ireland brings falling leaves and heavy rainfall, which can quickly clog gutters and downpipes.

Without attention, water can back up, seep into walls, or damage paths and patios, leading to costly repairs.

How to maintain your drainage:

• For blocked gutters and downpipes:
  Remove debris manually using a gutter brush or with a hose, ensuring water flows freely. Inspect joints and connections for leaks.
• For minor leaks in outdoor joints, gutters, or downpipes:
  Flashing Tape or Flex Tape offers a quick, waterproof solution. The rubberised tape adheres instantly and forms a strong seal to prevent water ingress.
• For small gaps or cracks in gutter joints or drainage connections:
  Sikaflex All-in-One provides a flexible, long-lasting seal. Apply along joints or cracks, smoothing with a finger or tool for a neat, watertight finish.

Step-by-step DIY guide for gutter and drainage maintenance:

1. Clear debris – Remove leaves, twigs, and moss from gutters and downpipes using gloves and a small scoop or trowel.
2. Flush with water – Use a hose to check for blockages and ensure water flows freely to drainage channels.
3. Inspect joints and connections – Look for leaks, cracks, or loose connections.
4. Repair leaks – Apply Sikaflex Sealant to cracks and reinforce with Flashing Tape or Flex Tape as needed.
5. Check drainage channels – Ensure channels are unobstructed and that water is directed away from walls and foundations.

Additional tips:

• Consider installing drainage solutions or debris-reducing products to reduce accumulation throughout autumn.
• Inspect gutters after storms to ensure nothing has shifted or become blocked.

Regular maintenance keeps water flowing correctly, prevents damp and foundation issues, and reduces stress during the wet autumn months.

Exterior furniture & timber protection

Outdoor timber furniture, benches, garden tables, and sheds are exposed to wind, rain, and frost, which can cause warping, cracking, and fading.

Unprotected furniture may deteriorate quickly, creating the need for replacements.

Protecting these items extends lifespan, keeps them safe, and maintains aesthetic appeal.

How to protect it:

• For cracks and joints in furniture or decorative timber:
  Linseed Oil Putty is ideal for filling gaps, joints, and small cracks in outdoor furniture, wooden benches, garden tables, and decorative timber features. It penetrates crevices to form a moisture-resistant barrier, preventing water ingress that can lead to frost damage, warping, or rot.
• For surfaces and overall protection:
  Frenchic Furniture Wax provides a long-lasting, weather-resistant finish, enhancing durability while maintaining a natural, polished appearance.

Step-by-step DIY guide for protecting furniture and decorative timber:

1. Clean the surface – Begin by removing dirt, moss, algae, and any old paint or finish. Use a mild detergent solution and a soft brush, working along the grain of the timber. For stubborn grime, a gentle scrubbing brush or low-pressure hose can help, but avoid high-pressure washing, which can damage the wood fibres.
2. Sand lightly – Smooth rough areas, splinters, or uneven patches with fine-grit sandpaper. This improves adhesion for both the Linseed Oil Putty and Frenchic Furniture Wax, ensuring a uniform finish. Wipe away sanding dust with a damp cloth before moving to the next step.
3. Seal cracks and joints – Apply Linseed Oil Putty to all gaps, joints, and small cracks. Use a putty knife to press the putty firmly into crevices, ensuring it fills completely. Smooth the surface and remove any excess. This step creates a moisture-resistant barrier that protects against frost and water ingress.
4. Apply protective coating – After sealing cracks and joints, use Frenchic Furniture Wax to provide a long-lasting, weather-resistant finish for outdoor timber furniture and decorative features. Apply evenly with a Frenchic Wax Brush, working along the grain and paying extra attention to edges, joints, and corners, which are most exposed to rain and frost. Multiple thin layers are recommended rather than a single thick coat; allow each layer to cure fully before applying the next. The wax penetrates and protects the wood, enhancing durability while maintaining a natural, polished appearance.
5. Inspect and touch up – Once the coating has dried, check for missed spots, thin areas, or uncovered joints. Apply extra paint or putty where necessary to ensure full protection.
6. Allow to cure thoroughly – Before exposing your furniture to rain or frost, make sure the paint and putty are fully cured. This may take several hours to a couple of days, depending on weather conditions.
7. Regular maintenance – Throughout autumn and winter, periodically inspect furniture for signs of wear, cracking, or moisture ingress. Touch up paint or putty as needed to maintain a continuous protective barrier.

Additional tips:

• For larger, fixed items, applying a second protective coat mid-autumn can provide extra defence against prolonged wet conditions.
• For smaller furniture pieces, consider moving them under cover during heavy storms.
• Inspect all treated surfaces periodically for signs of wear or moisture penetration.

Properly protected furniture and timber remain durable, safe, and visually appealing, avoiding costly replacements and maintaining a usable outdoor space throughout autumn and winter.

Quick safety & maintenance tips

Taking a few proactive steps can help keep your home and garden safe while preventing minor issues from turning into costly problems.

• Keep paths, patios, and driveways clear of wet leaves and debris to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
• Inspect roof edges, gutters, and downpipes regularly, especially after storms, to ensure there are no blockages or leaks that could lead to water damage.
• Check outdoor lighting as the days grow shorter, ensuring safe navigation around your property during darker evenings.
• Maintain a small autumn toolkit stocked with essential sealants, tapes, and adhesives so that minor repairs can be carried out quickly and effectively, protecting your home before the winter weather sets in.

Need help preparing your home for winter?

At MyBuildingSupplies.ie, we understand the challenges of protecting your home exterior against Ireland’s wet and windy autumns.

That’s why we offer expert advice, practical solutions, and a wide range of quality products to help you repair, seal, and protect your property before winter sets in.

From durable sealants and adhesives to timber treatments, drainage solutions, and specialised paints, our carefully curated range and knowledgeable team are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to tackle your autumn exterior maintenance or simply want advice on the best products and techniques for your home, get in touch with us today.

Your home deserves nothing less than a strong, safe, and weather-ready exterior that will withstand the Irish winter and beyond.