Thursday, October 14, 2010

Preventive Maintenance

This blog is in direct relation to my last week's blog where I discussed how to deal with natural wear and tear. I would like to share with you this week; how to be pro-active regarding house maintenance. The following preventive measures are relatively inexpensive and usually only need to be addressed once or twice a year.

Roof
: Fall and spring are good times to conduct routine maintenance on the roof, including the replacement of missing or damaged shingles or tiles and checking for signs of blistering or damage that can lead to leaks. Clear all debris from the roof and gutters, especially the valleys where it can accumulate and cause water to puddle.

Siding
: Clean your home's exterior with a garden hose sprayer and mild detergent or a power washer after winter passes. Tighten loose trim and add caulk to areas with cracks and keep the elements from intruding and causing further damage to the structure.

Decks: Wash and treat wood with paint or a weatherproofing product to prevent cracking and get them in prime condition for spring and summer outdoor entertaining.
Irrigation: Check sprinkler systems thoroughly before the summer approaches to spot and fix leaks and make sure water is not spraying against the home's foundation or siding.
Basement: Watch for signs of moisture intrusion and find the source of any leaks that can lead to serious mold or fungus problems if left unaddressed.

HVAC: Change the filter in your air return as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Some types need to be replaced every one to three months, while others last six months or longer.

Dryer: Remove accumulated lint from the exhaust duct at the back of the dryer and use a long-handled brush to clear the vent that leads outside. Blockages not only impact performance, they can also be fire hazards.

2 comments:

Mariam Freame said...

Good maintenance and preventive measures can help home owners or real estate companies keep their roof in good shape. Roofs are a vital part of a building infrastructure, and problems like damage and missing parts can result to bigger problems if left untended. Conducting an inspection once in a while will help a lot as far as building maintenance is concerned.

Allyson Duguay said...

In addition, cleaning you roof on fall or autumn can be good because it will help your roof to be prepared for the coming winter. Debris like twigs, branches and leaves are the primary culprit of clogged gutters and ice dams on winter days. So having maintenance not only prolongs the life of the roof, but also prevents further problems from occurring.