It only takes a few simple steps to secure your home from major damage. Regular activities involve checking for leaks and testing alarms. Mark your calendar for seasonal upgrades, such as sealing openings.
These steps will keep your home safe from weather-related issues, pests, and emergencies like fire.
Weekly and Monthly Updates
You should regularly check your home for any signs of water leaks. Even a tiny leak can eventually cause costly damage, from a ruined foundation to breeding mold. Check under sinks and other fixtures like toilets, along with appliances, such as your water heater or dishwasher.
Clean the lint trap in your dryer after every load. Don’t forget to regularly test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Seasonal Activities
Call pest control services to fortify your home against annoying pests, from bugs to rodents to snakes. Do a sight inspection to note and seal cracks in walls and foundations with chalk. Check your windows and doors for torn screens and broken seals.
However, your pest control professionals can conduct a thorough inspection to see if more extensive work is needed.
As the seasons change, remove your firewood and store it away from your exterior walls to avoid creating a passageway for termites.
Watch out for water pooling on your lawn, as flying insects like mosquitoes and flies love them.
Clear out any tall grass and brush away from the foundation, as they can be potential fuel for wildfires in certain areas.
Annual Checks
Your roof should have an annual inspection to check for damage after exposure to the elements. Depending on your area, you may need extra inspections, particularly after harsh storms.
Remember to clear off your roof gutters and downspouts in the spring and fall, as they often become a haven for birds, insects, and rodents. These creatures often use them as nests when they are filled with debris and leaves.
Without a proper gutter clearout, expect blocked drainage, which can cause rainwater to back up and damage your roof and foundation.
Check your water heater and flush it to remove sediment buildup. Inspect your heating and cooling units and ensure filters have been cleaned. You should also have a professional do a yearly maintenance check on these HVAC systems even if nothing appears wrong to you.
If you have an attic or crawl space, inspect for signs of water damage or pests. Both these areas can accumulate a lot of humidity, making them ripe for mold and mildew. These dark and damp conditions are also attractive for pests to nest in. If you have a sump pump, always test it out before the heavy rain season starts.
Take a Small Step to Protect Your Home
Homeownership comes with a great deal of responsibility, as you don’t want to wait for something to break to tend to it. Avoid that by staying on top of regular maintenance, whether it’s on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Doing so can help prevent way more costly issues down the road, especially at inopportune times such as heat waves or winter storms.
