Prevention is the name of the game in home maintenance. Your property is likely your most valuable asset, so make it a priority to keep it in tip-top shape. Failing to properly maintain your home, landscape, or appliances could mean paying big money to repair and replace these things down the road. Check out these six easy DIY tips to protect your home.
Take Care of Your Deck
A deck is a place to relax and enjoy time outside. The presence of rotting wood makes that impossible. Other than being unsightly and unusable, it is also unsafe. Constant exposure to the sun and other weather make wooden decks vulnerable to cracks and rot. An easy preventative solution is deck staining and sealing. Choose a stain to really make your deck pop! Sealing it will keep it fresh and protected from the elements.
Fill Foundation Gaps
Rain, wind, and inclement weather can slowly erode the soil around your home’s foundation. Even if you don’t notice any significant issues immediately, eventually the accumulation of water in the gaps of your foundation will cause damage. Cracks can form and expand in your foundation, and water may even get into your basement. Water leaks can lead to flooding, mildew, rotting of support beams, and severe foundation damage. Scanning your foundation and leveling any gaps with soil is a quick and easy task that protects your home.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are crucial for any home. Most experts say you should clean them at least twice a year. Whether you do it yourself or hire a specialist, it is worth making sure they are clear. Gutters are important because they redirect water from your roof so it doesn’t damage your siding or erode the soil around the foundation. Typically overlooked, gutters do a lot of work for your property and undergo a lot of stress, so it’s essential to ensure they’re in good shape. Installing leaf guards for gutters can help. They are super easy to install and will stop leaves and other debris from clogging up your gutters and weighing them down.
Recaulk Pipes, Fixtures, and Windows
Over time, the caulk around your faucets, toilets, and pipes may wear away. As a result, a small amount of leaking water can encourage mold growth and damage cabinets, walls, and floors. Recaulking your pipes and water fixtures will keep them sealed. It’s worth caulking around your windows as well to prevent both water leakage and pests from getting inside. Additionally, repairing the caulk can save you money on your next energy bill by preventing energy loss via air leaks.
Seal the Garage Floor
Your garage floors can take a beating from years of parking your car or using it for various projects. Sealing them will make them last much longer. Sealing makes concrete less porous, meaning the floor will not absorb any moisture. Spilled oil can be wiped up easily instead of leaving a stain behind. Your floors will be much more durable and slip resistant. Just ensure you thoroughly pressure wash your garage floor before sealing it and maintain good ventilation while doing the job.
Install Awnings Above Doors and Windows
Weather can be harsher on your home’s exterior than you realize. Ice, hail, rain, and winds can damage your windows and doors. Daily sun can fade your paint and trim. And heat from the sun beaming directly into your home does not help the AC bill. Investing in simple awnings can enhance your home’s aesthetic while protecting your doors and windows.
Replace Filters
There is one critical filter in your home that needs to be regularly replaced. Your HVAC unit filter should be changed every one to three months. It helps keep your AC running cool. Otherwise the dirt and debris builds up, putting strain on your system and increasing your energy bill. Replacing a furnace filter can dramatically increase the HVAC unit’s lifespan and helps prevent other expensive problems.
Save Time and Money with Easy DIY Maintenance
As a homeowner, it is important you take proactive steps to protect your property. Doing these easy DIY projects now will set you up to save thousands down the line. Also, it’s part of ensuring your home is safe, functional, and presentable.
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Real Estate Term of the Week
Concrete Sealers: Are applied to concrete to protect it from surface damage, corrosion, and staining. They either block the pores in the concrete to reduce absorption of water and salts or form an impermeable layer which prevents such materials from passing.