Preventive Maintenance

Category: Homeowner

Although sun-belt areas are not subject to the northern extended cold weather, some of the following ideas benefit homeowners in warmer climates as well. Preventive maintenance is much easier and less expensive than an inconvenient and ill-timed crisis. Consider Hiring a Home Inspector If you want a to-do list or simple peace of mind, a qualified home inspector will check your house from basement floor to the peak of your roof. It is the inspector's job to find all the things that need remedying.  If you don't wish to pay for a home inspection, here is a list of things you should consider doing yourself. Check the Roof Using binoculars from your yard, you can easily and safely inspect your roofing material, flashing, vents, and valleys. Only if you suspect a problem and your agility permits, should you think of climbing onto the roof. The roof should be clear of debris and the roofing material should not be lifting. The flashing around the chimney, skylights, and eaves should tight. Vents should be clear of debris, caps secure and free from cracks.  If you need a new roof, don't wait. Winter in northern climates and the rainy season in tropical climates can cause severe stress to an already weakened roof. The last thing you want is water leaks and interior problems. In many areas, weather does not permit contractors to re-roof in cold weather, so fix the roof before the problem develops! During spells of very cold or rainy weather, you may not be able to find a contractor to even come look at your problem. Inspect the House Foundation Look for signs of settling, insect infestation, cracks, and any bulging. Although these possible occurrences are not pleasant to contemplate, early remedial action will avoid costlier repairs at a time not necessarily convenient or of your choosing. Examine the Gutters and Downspouts Eliminate debris and leaks in the seams. Gutters that are not smooth flowing can cause water to back up under the eaves and the roof. The damage from water backup and overflow is always expensive to correct. It frequently leads to interior water damage as well, also costly and inconvenient to repair. Check the Driveway for Cracks The hydraulic force of freezing water causes driveway and sidewalk cracks to enlarge. Fill the cracks and seal the driveway to prevent any further deterioration. Prune Your Shrubs and Trees The foliage brushing against your roof, gutters or siding causes damage that is simple to prevent. Pruning not only alleviates this problem, but it also makes shrubs fuller and heartier next spring. In older, well developed areas with large trees, electrical wires running through the trees is a common hazard. When electrical wires are a factor in pruning and trimming, hire a professional. Service Your Heating and Cooling System Clean and service the furnace, air conditioning system, humidifier, and dehumidifier. Heating and cooling specialists can schedule you much quicker before hot or cold weather sets in and rush begins. Re-caulk Siding, Windows, and Exterior Walls This task has a double purpose. First, caulking helps to eliminate drafts and lowers your heating and cooling costs. Second and more important, caulk blocks water from penetrating and damaging hidden areas, which are always expensive to repair.  Paint outside where needed. Wash siding and trim. Besides the cosmetic enhancement, cleaning your home's exterior helps stop discoloration caused by the accumulation of dirt, dust and debris. Painting prevents water damage to exposed wood. Be Prepared Many of the tasks above just can't be accomplished in northern climates once winter sets in or tropical and desert climates where it's very hot or rainy. (exterior painting, driveway sealing, and roofing for instance). If you plan to sell your home, signs of exterior or interior water damage are a huge red flag for prospective buyers and make a timely sale difficult if not impossible. Prevent water damage before it starts!

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