Owning a home comes with great responsibility that goes beyond paying your mortgage. Home maintenance may not be at the top of your list, but it should be. Many home owners forget these five maintenance tasks – don’t be one of them.
1. Sealing Cracks and Gaps
Cracks and gaps in your foundation, doors and windows give insects and rodents easy access to your home. Seal off any openings in your home that you can find to keep these pests where they belong: outside.
Caulk can be used to seal off small holes, but you may need foam to seal up larger gaps in your home.
Inspect your home to look for any openings, and seal them up ASAP.
2. Cleaning the Roof
It’s easy to forget about your roof – until there’s a problem. If you’re not cleaning your roof on a regular basis, you’re setting yourself up for an expensive repair in the future.
Over time, algae can accumulate on roof shingles and start eating them away. Get rid of those black streaks on your roof before they take your roof shingles with them.
To wash your shingles, use a solution of hot water, detergent and bleach. Spray the solution from your garden hose, and do it on a cool day to prevent rot.
3. Keeping the Pipes Clean
Pipes are also overlooked by most homeowners until there’s a clog or a sewer backup. Keeping your pipes clean can help you avoid these issues in the future.
For the sinks and drains in your home, pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain every month can help flush away build-up that can lead to clogs.
Hire a local plumber to inspect your sewer line once a year. Pre-emptive inspections can help you pinpoint potential issues before they become a full-blown problem. Neglecting the problem can lead to you having to replace the entire sewer pipe lining, which can cost thousands of dollars.
4. Changing Furnace Filter and Cleaning AC Ducts
How often do you change your furnace’s filter? If you’re not replacing it once every three to six months, it’s time to start.
The furnace filter captures dirt and other air particles before they have a chance to get into your furnace and damage its components.
AC air ducts should also be cleaned out on a regular basis to keep your system running efficiently. Some homeowners debate the importance of cleaning out ducts, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. AC repairs can be expensive.
5. Inspect Regularly
Inspect your home on a regular basis to look for any potential issues that may arise. Be on the lookout for signs of:
- Water damage
- Cosmetic damage
- Pests
Make it a point to inspect your home once a month, and look for any signs that your home is in need of repair.
These are five home maintenance tasks that no homeowner should ignore. Tackling these tasks will help you avoid costly repairs in the future and keep your home looking its best.