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Your home is the investment you can see daily and often think about the most. It’s where you live, work, and rest your head at night. You are vested in ensuring it is well-maintained for years to come. Maintaining your home should be a priority, though it often feels like a chore.
Scheduling annual maintenance checks does more than catch small problems before they become disasters; it also keeps you familiar with the ins and outs of your home. This allows you to take preemptive action if something needs fixing or adjusting. If a problem is fixed in time, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars. Following these tips will keep your home running smoothly and looking great for years.
1. Keep the Gutters Clean
Gutters are essential to keeping your home dry and clean. If they become clogged with debris, the water will overflow onto your walls and foundation instead of draining away. Keeping them clean and clear of leaves and other debris is essential for preventing major damage to your home. Use a net or cloth to remove large chunks, or contact a professional to handle the job if you have serious blockage problems.
2. Inspect Drainage Systems and Water Pressure
Your water pipes and drains need to be inspected and repaired if necessary. These two systems maintain water pressure, so you never run out of it. If the pipes are clogged or badly damaged, water pressure will drop, and your shower will not work properly, among other major problems. You can hire professional plumbing services in Alpharetta, GA, to inspect and repair any problems that you might have.
3. Seal Up Cracks in Your Walls and Floors
Many things can cause cracks and holes in your walls, including moisture, vibrations from heavy appliances, shifting floors, and other problems that cause stress on the structure. These need to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent large amounts of moisture from entering your home. If water gets into the walls, it can create a very dangerous situation.
4. Have Your Roof Inspected
Inspecting your roof is essential to check the materials’ condition and any areas that are in danger of leaking. The roof is an important part of your home and should be properly taken care of each year. Replacing a roof leaves you with a new home and an insurance claim to deal with if anything goes wrong. During a roof inspection, the roofers will ensure that the roof is adequate for its purpose and check for any potential problems. They will also examine the attic and walls to check for damage and water intrusion. You can then use this information to decide if you need to repair your roof or replace it with a new one.
5. Get a Safety Check on Your Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are your first line of defense against intruders and other outside threats to your home. You must have them locked and installed properly to prevent break-ins or other problems. A safety inspection can keep a professional eye out for any issues with the installation process or problems with the materials themselves. You may also need to replace the locks and latches if they are damaged or need repair.
6. Get HVAC System Maintenance
A regular maintenance checkup on your HVAC system is critical to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. This includes checking the filters, turning off the fans when you’re not in the room, and other necessary maintenance actions. Your ducts need to be cleaned to prevent a buildup of dust that can settle into your central heating unit, keeping it from working properly. HVAC maintenance can help reduce your energy consumption, saving you hundreds of dollars in heating and cooling costs.
7. Hire Pest Control Services
Pests like insects and rodents can destroy your home in hours. If you have an infestation, it may even take a few days. Your first line of defense is to ensure that these pests don’t get into your home. You can do this by having an inspection done outside the house and then getting rid of any discovered pests.
Conclusion
Maintaining your house every year is a great investment in the future of your family home. It can help you keep it running smoothly and looking great for many years. These tips are a good place to start, but you should be aware of dozens of home maintenance issues to protect yourself from. Having any leaks fixed immediately is also essential to prevent water damage and mold issues.