Rayanne Morriss https://iaqa.org 3m 810 #homerepair
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
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Given a choice, very few would offer to devote their weekend on a ladder pulling foliage out of the gutter. But in cases where your family home is your main investment, like most Americans, conserving it is a duty. House maintenance might seem like a daunting task, especially to a new property holder who has never seen an oven up close, let alone an empty one. But it does not have to be overwhelming. Here are tips for maintaining your family home for a long time.
1. Have the Roof Inspected
Most of the time, your home’s roof is taken for granted and only checked when there is a major problem, such as a water leak. At this point, it can cause more damage and cost more money to repair. Even though your roof has been recently replaced or it’s a new house, routine maintenance may be the difference between your roof’s lifespan, say 20 or 30 years. It is advisable to have a small roof inspection each year and an expert inspection every three years. Performing routine maintenance avoids common problems like moss or broken materials or slats, rusted metal, kinks between joists, and a few others.
2. Clean or Replace HVAC Filters
Your home’s HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) system is installed to keep your family comfortable and safe. The health values of a well-serviced HVAC system play a role in preventing mold, which often thrives in hot, humid areas. Even though it is a background system and is generally hidden, you should clean or replace the filters every 3-6 months to keep your home comfortable and safe for days to come. Slight maintenance now and then can extend the life of this expensive but necessary equipment.
3. Clean Your Downspouts and Gutters
After a few months, your downspouts and gutters have likely accumulated leaves and additional debris. Cleaning it semi-annually will ensure that no dirt or mold grows, or that it doesn’t overwhelm and ruin the gutters. Simultaneously, it might also be helpful to ensure your downspout faces away from your house so that it leads rainwater from the base of your home. One more thing that can benefit the gutters is painting them every 4 – 6 years to help prevent rust.
4. Clean Your House Thoroughly
Take a weekend day with your family every six months and give the whole house a good deep cleaning: a fall and spring cleaning. Wash all appliances, dust, windows, and comprehensively clean every corner of your home and garage, basement, and the outside of your house, including the swimming pool. A thorough cleaning two times a year prevents the accumulation of dirt, soot, and dust. This is also a time when you can check that everything in the home is functioning properly such as the plumbing, electrical, pool, or watering system. Be sure to do your best to stop problems from happening in the first place. For example, a company who provides swimming pool repairs in Wintergarden states that you should ensure that your pool has “a proper PH balance, use sequestrant, and change the plumbing of your chlorinator.” By taking small steps in maintaining your home, you will end up saving money in the long run as well.
5. Check for Cracks as the House Adjusts to the Ground
New work or renovation always adapts to the place, which can cause cracks. Every year, inspect your home’s foundation for siding damage, cracks, holes in brick, or peeling paint. Ensure no cracks are affecting the structure and foundation of your home and fix them as necessary. This will protect your home from leaking and further damaging the inside of your home. Keeping your house in tip-top condition keeps everything running and not overwhelming.
6. Remove Dead Plants, Control Tree Growth, and Maintain Your Home Garden
Don’t forget to prune your plants annually and remove the dead plants as they can get into potential cracks and holes outside of your home. If you stay in a relatively new locality where new bushes have been cultivated, be attentive as they grow and ensure branches do not get in the way of power lines near your house. Use experts in trimming them. This protects your trees and home from damage.
7. Check the Sealant and Grout in Your Bathrooms and Kitchen
The bathroom and kitchen are the commonly used areas of the house, so maintenance takes a long time. Sealant and grout are often left unchecked. Inspect the grout annually for chipped or peeling sealant in these areas, particularly where you utilize water, and renovate as necessary. This prolongs the life of your cabinets and tile surfaces.
To prolong the lifetime of your home, please go through the above tips. Try and apply each of them. Ensure your home is clean, including the eradication of unnecessary bushes and frequent check-ups.
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