Seal Up the Gaps

Cracks in the foundation as well as loose seals around the windows can allow moisture to do a number on your entire home. You can easily save tens of thousands of dollars in moisture damage repairs over time using little more than a few tubes of caulk. While you’re at it, use a dehumidifier to keep your basement from accumulating water.

Clean Out the Ducts

Many homeowners underestimate the impact that clean ducts can have on overall home health. Start out by changing the filters on output vents every few months and adjust that schedule as needed. Clean out all ducts for dust and debris on a regular basis to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, improve air quality and reduce damage to interior upholstery.

Tune Up the Furnace

Ideally, a furnace should be inspected and serviced every year. Furnaces that don’t receive regular maintenance are inefficient and more costly to run. They can even be a fire hazard if they go too long without being cleaned and serviced. Homeowners should change filters every few months during the winter to keep their furnaces running at peak efficiency between annual tune-ups.

Flush the Pipes Often

Neglecting to maintain a home’s plumbing can result in a number of problems over time. For instance, pipes that aren’t used regularly can build up calcium and grime deposits that eventually require serious repairs to fix. Occasionally use a drain cleaner to flush out accumulation. Meanwhile, regularly check pipes for leaks of any size and have them fixed immediately by a trained plumber.

Power-Wash the Siding

Failure to regularly wash wood siding can quickly result in surface damage that’ll be costly to fix later on. When washing the siding, be sure to get at the soffit and fascia under the eaves. Even homes with vinyl siding can benefit from a good power-washing every year. Make washing the siding a regular component of spring cleaning for the best results.

Patch & Restore the Roof

Even under the best circumstances, a typical asphalt shingle roof will need to be replaced every 20 to 25 years. If an asphalt roof is regularly cleaned and patched, it’ll be more likely to reach or exceed its maximum lifespan. Wash down the shingles with diluted bleach or a specialty cleaner and install zinc strips along the ridges to retard moss and lichen growth.

Insect-Proof the Structure

Homes in damp climates are especially susceptible to damage from insects such as termites. One can prevent insect damage using a few simple environmentally-friendly methods. For starters, woods like Pacific red cedar are well known for their ability to deter insects of all kinds. Be sure to seal the siding on a regular basis and spray for termites and other harmful pests every few years.

Prevention Is a Wise Investment

The upfront costs of regular home maintenance pale in comparison to the potential repair costs you’ll face in the future by neglecting upkeep. If you’re not exactly a home repair expert, hiring an experienced general contracting company like Alair Homes Victoria to inspect your house and suggest fixes for emerging problems is the smart way to stay on top of ongoing maintenance.