As a homeowner, it seems that the work is never-ending. There is always something to clean, repair, or replace. While that is true, you can make your life easier and make your home last longer by taking care of it. Follow these tips that will not only save you money over time but will also help maintain the integrity of the home you love.
Keep Your Roof in Good Order
Your roof is a major component in protecting your home and family. It must be watertight to prevent water and moisture from seeping into your home. When there is damage to your rooftop, it usually goes unnoticed for some time. This is when mold begins to grow, and more avoidable problems become bigger than they should have.
Contact a licensed roofing company for an estimate. They will inspect your roof and inform you of their findings. Professional roofers can repair and replace problematic areas to protect the integrity of the roof. For older roofs that have been left without care, you may need the entire roof replaced. This is an opportunity to upgrade to better products and find the color, material, and design that will really impact your home’s curb appeal.
Clean the Gutters
The gutters and downspouts attached to your home may seem flimsy and insignificant. Make no mistake, however, they are integral parts of your home’s external protective design. Gutters and downspouts collect and guide rainwater to move it off the roof and away from your home. If at any point they begin to pull away, the rainwater will run down the side of your home and pool at the base of the foundation. This increases the chances of a basement leak through cracks or even a basement window.
Pull out a ladder as part of your maintenance schedule, or hire a professional to do it for you and inspect your gutter system routinely. Look for cracks and worn components, and replace them as needed. Clean out the gutters while you are up there to prevent unnecessary clogs from compromising their intended purpose. Consider installing gutter guards to keep debris from entering the gutter system and save you the trouble of cleaning them out.
Inspect the Foundation
Look for cracks and signs of shifting in the foundation. Have a licensed inspector assess the situation or any areas you are concerned about to determine if there is a structural problem versus a simple patch and seal job.
A home’s foundation supports the entire weight of the house. If it begins to degrade, the home itself may be compromised. As rainy seasons and dry seasons change the nature of the soil around your home, it will have an impact on whether or not the ground shifts. The shifting ground will affect your home’s structure in some manner, whether it is through a sticking door or cracks in the basement ceiling, it is crucial to take care of the base of the home for the benefit of the rest of the home.
Maintain Your Home
Spending time to take care of and properly maintain your home is the best thing you can do to sustain the structure and save money on unnecessary repairs and replacements due to neglect.
Watch this video for a home maintenance checklist that includes an easy-to-follow schedule.
Clear the Perimeter
While flora is beautiful to look at, you do not want any plants sitting too close to your home. They tend to grow up into the space between vinyl siding and can create a problem as time passes. Other plants, if allowed to grow next to a structure, can grow into the cement in your basement causing tiny cracks that will eventually become larger cracks. In turn, these cracks can allow water and bugs into your home.
To prevent these potential problems, simply make it a part of your routine to walk around the home and pull any weeds growing next to it or cut back overzealous plants. Grab a pair of gardening gloves, garden shears, and a bucket for your cuttings or weeds. Do not throw the pulled weeds on the ground as they can reseed and defeat your efforts. Do this daily in warmer months if you have time. A weekly inspection works well, too.
Take these suggestions for making your home a place you love that continues to provide you shelter and comfort. When you take care of your home, it will take care of you for years to come. And, you get to spend less time on repairs and more time doing what you enjoy.
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