If we want our homes to be in tip-top shape for a long time, home maintenance is a must. Our houses need constant care and attention to maintain the luster it had when we first bought it or had it built. All properties lose value over time, especially without proper upkeep, but we can prevent it by doing our due diligence.
With the changing of seasons comes extreme temperature changes, hurricanes, and other natural calamities. When we factor in climate change, it’s reasonable to assume that our homes are most likely bound to experience some of the most intense natural adversities Mother Nature has to offer. It’s not about being apocalyptic; it’s about being prepared.
We need to do all that we can to protect our houses from the elements and potential damages. Here is a seasonal checklist for your routine home maintenance checks.
Wet weather
- Remove debris, leaves, and sticks from your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause mold growth and put your home’s foundation at risk.
- Clear away moss from the roof. Moss grows in wet conditions and can also cause mold to grow. When it rains, moss may open up your roof, causing water damage.
- Trim trees away from your house. Trimming your trees and bushes away from your home protects you from electrical damages and allows for better air circulation for the residents in the property. Even more so, a clear yard looks good.
- Prevent erosion. If your house is on a slope or a hill, watch out for soil erosion by making sure your foundations are stable. Consider hiring an expert to ensure maximum stability.
- Cover up exterior furniture.
- Seal cracks around your foundation. It keeps bugs from entering and chewing into your home.
Severe winter
- Make sure your home is adequately insulated. Keeping your home properly insulated will help you keep your desired temperature during the long winter months. It can also be energy-efficient as a well-insulated house needs little additional heating.
- Repair minor indoor issues. Look around your house to check if there are minor repairs that need addressing, like tightening loose doors or fixtures, and patching up damaged drywall.
- Clean your gutters. In winter, clogged drains can contribute to an ice dam, which occurs when the ice melts during daytime and refreezes in the evening.
- Caulk and seal exterior wood. Having your exterior wood replaced when it gets rotten can be an expensive and tedious task, so always check to make sure it’s properly caulked and sealed. If it’s showing signs of rotting, it’s time to consult with experts to have it replaced.
- Clear your chimney and stock up on firewood. Make sure the fireplace is spotless before you use it for those cozy nights beside the fire, as it may have accumulated dust throughout the year it wasn’t in commission. Load up on firewood as well.
- Prevent the pipes from freezing. Insulate the pipes that are near the unheated areas of your home.
Heatwaves in the summer
- Maintain your HVAC systems. Taking care of your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system is paramount if you want to have comfortable summers. Clear out the dust and debris in the filters, and replace them if necessary. Prepare your air-conditioning units for their busiest season. Repair what needs to be repaired and replace what needs to be replaced.
- Inspect your house for leaks. Check every faucet or hose for leaks as even small drips can add up to gallons of water wasted.
- Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
- Stroll around the house and look for small issues that can become bigger problems later on. Check the driveway for cracks, for hairline fractures in the exterior walls, for matters in the vents, gutters, and drainpipes. When cooler temperatures come, you won’t have as much freedom to take a closer look at your home.
- Consider the windows. You need to be free to open your windows, especially during summer. Repair broken ones and consider having them tinted or adding a screen.
- Check if your deck and patio need repairing. Wintertime can be harsh on the exteriors of our house, so tend to the areas outside of your home that need repairing or maintenance.
Worth the Effort
Home maintenance may be intimidating and expensive, especially since it feels like so much work, like a never-ending list of tasks you have to accomplish. But doing a monthly or even weekly checkup of your home can decrease the work in the long term. Faithfully completing simple tasks every day can add up to years worth of upkeep that can protect your home depreciation.
