Summertime is a great time to make small repairs. For example, replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be done monthly. Home Depot has all the tools and materials you need to look after and maintain your home, with a Home Depot Money Saving Coupon from We Are Coupons, looking after your home costs less.
Also, this is the best time of year to have trees trimmed. Cutting back vegetation helps prevent damage to the home during high winds, which account for 19% of the home insurance claims Joe Meisinger’s company handles each year.
1. Inspect the Roof
The roof is a major component of the house, and it is very susceptible to damage caused by severe weather, debris accumulation, age and other factors. This type of damage can cause leaks, mold growth and other problems that affect indoor comfort and lead to costly repairs and replacements.
Conduct a visual inspection of the entire roof, examining shingles for cracking or discoloration. Also, check for granules in gutters, long-term standing water in the gutters, and any roof interruptions like skylights, dormers, chimneys or vent pipes to ensure caulking hasn’t failed or that there are no leaks.
This is also a good time to inspect for signs of aging in the home’s exterior, such as paint peeling or brick cracking. It’s a great time to trim any overgrown trees and shrubs. Make sure dryer vents are clear of lint as well; clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires.
2. Inspect the Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot and invite insects into the attic. Regularly cleaning and unclogging gutters prevents this problem.
Prepare a ladder and some gloves, then check the slope of your gutters. If there’s slow-moving or standing water in any of your gutters, it may be a sign of an inadequate slope. This means you may need to reposition your hangers or spikes and create a more substantial slope directed at the downspout.
This is also a good time to make sure that your landscaping is preparing for fall and winter. This includes removing any debris left by the wind and resealing any wood structures, like decks, fences, trellises, and pergolas, before the first frost. You should also disconnect any hoses and drain outdoor faucets. Doing this will prevent them from freezing and bursting when it snows. This can cause major damage to your home and landscape.
3. Inspect the Windows
This month, homeowners are eager to open their windows and doors to let in the warm spring air. But don’t forget to inspect the window screens and frames to make sure they are still secure. A loose screen will allow bugs into your home and drafts out.
If you’re interested in saving energy, consider replacing old windows with newer, more efficient models. They’ll also add value to your home and save you money in the long run.
To detect air leaks around your windows, examine them on a windy day to see how much air is being drawn into the house. You can also use a damp hand to touch bordering walls to feel for moisture, which may indicate a window leak. Keeping up with these routine tasks will ensure your home is safe and healthy for years to come. It will also help prevent costly repairs down the road. And who doesn’t want that?
4. Inspect the HVAC
There are a few maintenance tasks that homeowners can skip without major consequences, but HVAC service is not one of them. It's vital for both home comfort and energy efficiency.
Inspect the thermostat and air ducts for leaks, rust, and other issues that impact efficiency. Clean the air filters and inspect the condensate drain to ensure they aren't clogged. If a system is over 10 years old, it should be replaced.
A programmable thermostat can help improve efficiency by automatically lowering the temperature while you're away or sleeping. It can also prevent the HVAC from running too frequently in hot and cold weather, which reduces wear and tear.
Inspect the gas piping to the furnace and air conditioning unit for proper installation, a functioning safety shut-off, and a functioning carbon monoxide detector. Turn off the breaker for the inside and outside units before performing an inspection. Also, check the fuses or circuit breakers for damage and ensure the power switches are on.
