Home Maintenance Can Prolong the Life of Your Home’s Components and Systems
Check your roof for loose or blocked gutters. Clean your gutters removing any debris collected over the winter. Poor drainage around the perimeter of your home can lead to water entering your basement or crawlspace. Ensure all downspout extensions are connected and splash pads are all directing water away from home.
Spring is a good time to inspect your homes roof. Ice and snow can cause damage to shingles, flashings and caulking. If you are not comfortable on a ladder you should hire a professional to perform this inspection for you. If you have a chimney ensure all chimney caps and flashings are tightly sealed.
Over the winter months snow and ice formation can create low areas around your homes foundation. Protect your homes foundation by filling low areas with compacted soil which will change the grade and ensure water drains away from foundation area. Do not use any gravel or other granular product as water will filter through until it finds a soil bases.
Exterior wood surfaces, including window frames and doors, must be treated on a regular basis. If your doors and windows have not been sealed or sealed improperly, the wood can expand and contract allowing water and air into your home. Wood on the south side of a home will be exposed more to the sun and will require more maintenance than other exposures.
Dirt is one of your furnace’s worst enemies, , especially if the unit is installed in a basement or utility room. Removing your furnace panels allows you access to the interior of furnace and access for vacuuming, ensure you turn power off to the unit prior to removing panels. Replacing your air filter will also provide better air flow and cleaner air for your family. Inspect your furnaces duct work for any air leaks which can reduce efficiency. Tape any holes or leaking seams with metal duct tape.
Clean your dryer vent to remove buildup of lint from the winter months. Cleaning your dryer duct can save energy and reduce the risk of fire. Improving air flow from dryer will reduce drying time and save you money. The clothes dryer is second only to the water heater in power consumption.
Sidewalks can heave in the spring and may require repair. Any cracks in concrete pathways or asphalt driveways should be patched and sealed to prevent further damage. Use asphalt caulking on garage floor and driveway joint to prevent water entry which can freeze in the winter allowing asphalt to separate.
Get your snow removal equipment ready for storage and prepare your lawn maintenance equipment for the new season. Prepare you gas mixtures for leaf blowers or weed whacker.
Inspect your homes caulking, look for aged and cracked caulking which is not tightly adhered in joints of windows and doors. Replacing caulking is a labor intensive job and using a good quality caulking will ensure you don’t have to do again in the near future.