Routine Maintenance Will Protect Your Home

Your home is likely the most valuable asset you'll ever own so it's extremely important to properly maintain it in order to protect its worth. Performing routine maintenance on your home will not only prolong the life of your home's systems and components, but it will also aid in preventing future costly repairs.

Over time, the interior and exterior of your property will deteriorate, so practicing regular preventative home care is essential. You should perform regular inspections of your property to make sure that it is still functioning safely and properly.  

Whether you perform just a few tasks at a time or many at once, it is important to get into the habit of doing them. Establish a routine for yourself, and you'll find the work is easy to accomplish and not all-consuming.

Here are a few home maintenance tips for you to consider:

• Examine the windows and doors of your home for leaks. A drafty window or door can really increase your energy bill over time, so it's worth it to make sure that everything is properly sealed.
• Check for any unwanted insects and pests such as carpenter ants and termites. Also, make sure that no exterior wood in your home is in contact with the earth, and trim back trees and shrubs away from the foundation.
• Have your furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace, and every year for an oil furnace, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean out any debris from your downspouts and gutters. Make sure they are draining properly and moving water away from the house. Otherwise, the water can collect on the eaves of the roof or around the foundation and cause leaks and damage.
• Check the condition of the roof and look for any sagging that could indicate structural problems. Also check the condition of shingles for repair or replacement, and examine roof flashings at the chimney and roof joints for any signs of cracking or leakage.
• Routinely check the house for safety hazards, such as a loose handrail, lifting or buckling flooring, inoperative smoke detectors, and so on.
• Make sure air indoor and outdoor vents are not blocked by debris.
• Check and clean range hood filters on a monthly basis.
• Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests.

These are just a few of the most important home maintenance tasks that every property owner should implement. By following the information provided here, you will better protect your home investment and also ensure that it will be a healthy and safe environment, now and in the future.