Small issues around the home that seem unimportant have the potential to cause substantial and costly damage if left unaddressed. It’s important to keep up with these tasks to prevent major problems later. Take a look at some of the maintenance tasks around the home that you shouldn’t put off.
Inspect Caulking Around the House
Sealants, or caulk, in the kitchen and in the bathroom prevent water from seeping into nooks and crannies around the tub and sink. Mold becomes a concern if water gets inside, but worse is the risk of rot in the wooden frame underneath. Recaulking is simple and affordable, and something you can do with just a few tools and a bit of time.
Maintenance Tasks Include Repairing Plumbing Leaks
Repair plumbing leaks to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, water damage, and to save money on the utility bill. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that repairing leaks can reduce your water bill by about 10 percent.
Clean and Seal the Decking
Heat, rain, and temperature variations take their toll on outdoor decking over the years. Each year, purchase and apply a protective wood sealant to prevent damage to the deck. Even one season’s severe weather could be damaging to an untreated deck. This is one of the maintenance tasks to complete during late spring or early summer for the best results.
A Pest Inspection is an Important Home Maintenance Task
Call a professional to inspect the home for termites and other wood-destroying insects. Many homeowners believe that a visual inspection is all that’s necessary to spot termites, but these pests burrow deep within the wood of the home’s structure and may not be visible. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damages in a relatively short amount of time. Don’t put your house at risk; order a termite inspection to check for signs of these damaging insects.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Roof leaks can be caused by damaged flashing near exhaust flues and chimneys, or by snow, dirty gutters, and other issues. Inspect the roof and look for soft spots, missing or damaged shingles, or rusted flashing. From inside the attic, you may notice damp or dark spots which are signs of leaks. Even a small leak needs attention because it will worsen over time. Inspect the gutters when you inspect the roof. If the gutters are clogged with debris, clean them to prevent water back-up that could damage the home’s foundation, siding, and shingles.
Important Home Maintenance Tasks
Protect your home and wallet by taking care of maintenance tasks when problems occur. The issues listed here are some of the most common. Without a fix, minor problems become burdensome for the household and may require costly repairs.
Nico Home Inspections provides home inspections in Southeast Florida. Contact us to schedule an appointment.