|
 After
a cold and wet winter, spring is nearly here! Not only is spring a great
time to get out and shake off that cabin fever it is also an excellent
time to conduct a thorough maintenance check of your home, especially
since it follows winter weather that is often responsible for the
deterioration or failure of building materials and joint sealants. Doing
a few chores now, will help ensure you'll live more comfortably
throughout the summer months. Many of the following simple tasks can add
years to the life of your home and can also help prevent more costly
repairs down the road. Even homes that are just a year old need some
TLC.
"Many people don't realize
how important maintaining their home is, even if it is new." Said Steve
Artz, President of Your Towne Builders, Inc. "Just like a car needs to
have its oil changed and brakes inspected, your home needs regular check
ups and tuning to insure you enjoy your home for years to come."
From the Out Side In
-- Now that the snow has melted take the time to walk around the outside
of your home and conduct a thorough exterior inspection. What to
look for - damaged sidewalks due to heavy salting, clogged storm drains,
cracks in the foundation, screen or window damage, damaged or clogged
downspouts, deteriorated weather-stripping, lose or missing roof
shingles, lose or missing siding or shutters, and tree limbs that may be
hanging vicariously over the home.
Some items, such as
foundation cracks or roof and siding problems, may require the hire of a
professional contractor to make repairs. The money invested now could
save thousands in additional repair work in later years. However, if you
are up to the challenge many spring maintenance issues can be easily
taken care of by the homeowner.
Clean Out Those Gutters
-- Nobody likes to clean or repair gutters, however this is
imperative for proper maintenance of your home. Check for debris in
gutters and downspouts, make sure all downspout extensions stay in the
down and away position so roof drainage will not pond along the
foundation of the home.
Concrete Cracks - No
Problem -- Face it, concrete cracks, but that doesn't mean you have
to live with it that way. For most cracks less than 1/4", applying
concrete caulk is a good way to make repairs. Just clean the crack out
with a high-pressure hose nozzle, let it dry and then apply the caulk
into the crack. Spread smooth using a putty knife. For larger cracks,
substitute concrete patch for caulk. Large cracks or small, repair is
necessary because water that finds its way into cracks will soften the
ground underneath and cause more cracking. The situation worsens if the
water gets into cracks and freezes, so fix those cracks before next
year's cold weather.
Decks and Fencing --
To extend the life of your wood deck -- stain and seal it at least once
per year. This will help preserve the beauty of the wood and extend the
life of the product.
More Spring Home Maintenance
Tips...
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