Your home is your sanctuary and in order to keep it that way there are a few things you’re going to have to do to make sure that it is always in the best possible condition. Keeping your home in tip top shape is all about making sure you’re doing the right maintenance tips and the right time. This is a contributed post.
It can be difficult to know exactly what you should be doing to make sure that your home does not get run down. Here are some of the major things you should be focusing on to keep everything up and running.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Gutters and downspouts play a critical role in pushing rainwater away from your home’s foundation. If gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt water and debris water can begin to overflow and this is going to cause damage to your siding and damage the foundation of your home.
This is why it is so important for you to inspect them and clean your gutters at least twice a year. Also, don’t leave out those downspouts when you’re doing this inspection either. Ideally, you should do this in the fall and spring.
Use a steady ladder and wear gloves to remove debris when you are doing it. If you’re uncomfortable with heights you should definitely consider hiring a professional to clean your gutters.
Check Your Roof for Damage
It’s important that you’re always checking your roof to find out if there is damage. It is one of the critical components of your home that protects you from all the elements out there.
Regular inspection of your roof for damage can help you to catch those little problems before they become big ones. Look for missing, cracked or curling shingles whenever you do any inspection.
Also, look for signs of water damage inside your home. It’s very important that you know when things are going haywire so that you can call a roofing contractor to come in and repair your roof as soon as possible.
You can use binoculars first to inspect your roof. If you can’t get close enough for inspection that’s also when you should not hesitate to call in a professional.
Maintain Your HVAC System
You’re heating and ventilation as well as your HVAC system, have to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. You can’t afford for it to go haywire on you.
To ensure that it operates efficiently at all times you have to perform regular maintenance on it. This includes replacing cleaning air filters every three months or as necessary. Listen very carefully to make sure there are no odors or unusual noises. Scheduling an annual inspection is your best course of action.
Remember that a well maintained air conditioning system not only improves your air quality but your comfort as well. It’s going to drop those energy costs all the way down and expand the lifespan of the equipment.
Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important for your family’s safety. These devices should be tested on a monthly basis whenever you can.
You need to ensure that they are working properly. Be sure to replace the batteries at least once per year and replace the detectors themselves every 10 years. You need to zero in on the alarm button and test it to ensure that the alarm sounds. If you’re not hearing that all important alarm you should replace the batteries.
Check for Water Leaks
You should always be on the lookout for water leaks. This can cause a huge amount of damage in your home and lead to some big repairs over time. Make sure that you are regularly inspecting your home for any signs of leaks.
Check your ceiling walls to see if there are any water stains on it. Also, watch out, because unusually high water bills are also a sign that something is not right.
Pay close attention to the areas around water heaters, toilets, bathtubs and sinks. If you do find an issue make sure that you jump on it immediately. In some cases, if you have a few skills you may be able to fix it yourself with a wrench and some other plumbing tools.
Plumbing lines that are embedded within walls are best dealt with by a professional.
Maintain Your Yard and Landscaping
You are going to need to make the yard a part of your landscape maintenance if you want to upkeep your home. Overgrown trees and shrubs can damage your home siding, your foundation and your roof. You need to make sure that you remove dead or diseased plants. Be sure to clean up falling leaves and debris.
Make sure you pay special attention to the trees that are near your home more than anything else because branches will scratch windows and damage your roof posing a danger when there are heavy storms. Consider consulting with an arborist for advice on tree care and maintenance for your home.
Inspect Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are a source of drafts and energy loss and you have to try to keep them sealed as much as possible. Recaulk or replace weatherstripping as needed to ensure that everything is tightly sealed up.
When you do this you’re going to have high levels of energy saving that is going to improve the comfort of your home and reduce any outside noise as well.
Clean and Seal Decks and Patios
Outdoor spaces such as decks and patios are perfect for entertainment and relaxation but you also need to make sure that you’re doing regular maintenance as well. Ensure that you’re cleaning up your deck and patio annually to get rid of algae, mildew and dirt as much as possible.
If you have a wooden deck, you should consider staining or resealing it every few years to make sure that it is well protected from the elements. This is the only way to make sure that everything goes smoothly for you when it comes to maintaining this vital part of your home.