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Home maintenance is one of the most important ways to keep your home in good condition throughout the years.
It's also one of the most neglected parts of home improvement.
But it doesn't have to be a burden if you do each one of these top ten home maintenance tips throughout the year.
It won't take up too much time and it will help prevent your home from decay and rot that can occur from neglect.
1. Inspect the Gutters
One of the worst things that can happen to your home is water damage. If gutters are clogged or full of debris, water can back up and infiltrate the fascia and soffit of your home. Decay and rot is a problem that no homeowner wants to deal with. An angled nozzle on a power washer can keep gutters clean and clear.
2. Inspect the Roof
While you're looking up at the gutters, it's a good idea to inspect the roofing materials. You don't need to get up on the roof, but do a visual inspection. Keep an eye out for torn or loose roofing materials, loose nails or screws or a heavy buildup of debris. A leaf blower with an extension can remove leaf problems before it cause problems.
3. Inspect the Foundation
Look around the foundation of the home for cracks, breaking, crumbing or gaps in any masonry foundation. If you see any problems, call a contractor right away to take a look. If foundation problems are left alone, they can end up costing you a lot more money than if you would have addressed the problem to begin with.
4. Inspect the Siding
Whether you have siding or stucco, inspecting the exterior of your home for cracking, gaps or paint problems is an important part of home maintenance.
5. Inspect the Doors and Windows
Take a look at the exterior and interior of your of your doors and windows. Exterior and interior window and door leaks can easily cause mold and mildew to enter your home. Use a clear silicone caulk to fix any gaps between window frames and door jambs.
6. Trim Trees
Trees and branches should be at least four times as far from the home as the roof is tall to prevent damage to the home.
7. Clean filters
The home is filled with ventilation units and devices that need filter replacement on a monthly basis. Air conditioning, heating, furnaces, stove vents and dryer vents should be checked, cleaned and replaced as required by each appliances specifications.
8. Inspect the HVAC
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment needs biannual maintenance checks to ensure that they are running efficiently and safely. The price of maintenance checks outweighs the cost of a breakdown during peak seasons.
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Basements, attics and other crawlspaces that shuttle electrical, plumbing and ventilation lines should be examined for leaks, shorts or other problems. Grab a flashlight and make certain everything is alright in these hard to get at spaces.
10. Insect/Rodent Inspection
Permanent damage can easily be caused by insects, rodents and other nuisance animals. Check crawlspaces, attics, soffits and foundations for any sign of insect/animal penetrations..
Hire a Handyman to perform your Home Maintenance
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