Durable materials last longer, but even the strongest of steel needs ongoing maintenance to maximize its lifespan. That’s why your property needs a regular, season-by-season maintenance routine. Only when you take care of its health on an ongoing basis, either through preparation or spot repairs, can you enjoy a truly safe and comfortable home. If you’re unsure what your yearly maintenance routine should include, look no further than this blog.
Routines for Your Roof
Your roof will take a massive beating throughout the year, and every year. This wear, if left unchecked, can tear through your roof.
That’s why every spring, you’ll want to go and check for any damaged roof shingles. These could be cracks, missing shingles, or even signs of water damage inside your home. If you spot anything, no matter how small, you must schedule your roof repairs ASAP. Small issues can be budget-friendly to fix, whereas leaving that leak can result in needing a whole new roof.
From there, it’s a matter of checking it regularly. You don’t want any leaves or other debris to build up on your roof or gutters, and if they do, remove them quickly.
Routines for Your Foundation
The routines you’ll need to adopt to protect your foundation depend entirely on the climate your home is in. In hot climates, for example, it’s essential that you water the ground around your foundation. This is because the clay soil in areas like Kansas City is sensitive to both expanding and shrinking. If it expands too much, it can push against your foundation and crack it; if it shrinks, it leaves gaps between the soil and your foundation, which can increase movement that, in turn, can cause cracks.
If you live in a cold climate, your issues will revolve around freezing water, so make sure to turn off outdoor water taps before winter hits and properly winterize any vents.
Routines for Your Systems
You need to have your HVAC and other systems, like your water heater, checked and maintained on a regular basis. Even something as simple as changing out a filter on schedule can keep your systems, and, as a result, your home in proper working order. The same applies to your appliances. Have them regularly cleaned and inspected (or learn how to do this yourself) and extend not just the life of the unit, but also the safety and comfort of your home overall.
Routines for Water Damage
Mold is a warning sign of damp or water leaks. Monitor and check areas for mold on a regular basis, particularly in wet areas like your bathroom or kitchen, as well as any rooms that share a wall with the pipes. Catching early signs of water damage is essential not only to keep costs low, but also to minimize the risk of mold-related health illnesses.
Another great way to check if you have a leak is to simply look at your water bill. If your water bill one month sees a massive jump, and you don’t know why, then that could be a sign of a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing.