By Jana
Ward
Spring is here, which means it’s time
for a thorough, semi-annual maintenance check of your home. Doing a
few chores now, will help ensure you’ll live more comfortably
throughout the summer months. Investing time this spring can also
save money on repair bills and save valuable time better spent
enjoying the season. Many of these simple tasks can add years to the
life of your home and prevent major headaches as the mercury
rises.
Get started by inspecting the outside
of your home for water leaks. Key areas to examine include
overhangs, awnings and exposed siding where water might collect and
cause materials to decay. Repair or replace any areas showing water
damage. Also, venture outside during the next storm and watch how
the rain rolls off your roof and out your gutters. Be sure that the
water empties a good distance from your foundation, so that it
cannot settle at the foundation. Take advantage of this time to make
sure your gutters are clear and that water is moving unencumbered
through your downspouts.
Next, take a look at all of your
windows and doors for drafts and air leaks. Caulk any seams and
re-glaze windows if needed. It’s a good idea to clean all of your
windows, inside and out, including the screens. Replacing any worn
weather-stripping around doors will help keep cool air in the house
and your electric bills down. Remember to check the filters on your
heating and cooling units each month, and replace them as needed.
And, consider hiring a professional to clean your ducts where dust
and air-borne particles can build up.
Spring is also the right time to
service your air conditioner. Don’t wait until it breaks down—likely
during the most unbearable heat wave of the summer—to focus on
maintaining your unit. If it’s not already, shade the outdoor part
of the air conditioner from the sun, clean the unit and inspect the
filter. A little bit of cleaning and maintenance now could save you
days or weeks of suffering this summer.
Now it’s time to tackle the roof.
Using a sturdy ladder, climb up to eye level to inspect the flashing
around chimneys and vents. Re-tar any cracks and repair or replace
any shingles that are buckled or broken. While you’re at it, clean
out the gutters and downspouts and sweep the shingles free of
sticks, leaves and other debris.
Since you’re already outside, take a
look at the paint on the house and the trim. Does it need to be
repainted or cleaned? It’s a big job, but will make a considerable
difference in the look of your home. Wood that is properly protected
from the elements can last for many years.
Be wary of conditions that invite
termites. Termites threaten the structure of a house by eating its
framing lumber. And, because they look like ants, termites are often
difficult to identify. Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and in
good repair will help eliminate pools of water close to the house
that attract termites. Repairing leaky plumbing and drainage under
the house, and keeping the house and crawl space properly vented
will help keep these areas dry. Keep tree stumps and firewood from
beneath or around the house, and be sure that firewood is stored off
the ground. Finally, cut all shrubs and bushes away from the
foundation.
Continuing your outside inspection,
appraise stair railings, steps and sidewalks around your home.
Tighten any loose connections and smooth out cracks or ridges in the
walkways. If your steps have settled or shifted, consider hiring a
professional to repair them, so that no one gets injured on your
property. Clean oil and dirt from the concrete walkways and
driveway.
Lubricate door hinges and replace any
worn locks. And, don’t forget to check the doorbell. Inspect any
fencing for holes and test gates for ease in movement. The track for
your garage door may need a bit of lubrication, as well. The mailbox
post should be stable and the house numbers clear—replace any house
numbers that have broken or fallen off.
Spring is the ideal time of year to
inspect your fireplace and chimney. Look around for visible cracks,
nesting animals or other signs of damage. Use this opportunity to
have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney, check it
thoroughly and make any necessary repairs.
Finally, review your safety plan for
evacuation in case of fire, tornado, hurricane or other natural
disaster. By having a plan of action that you and your family
prepared in advance, you may gain valuable time during an emergency.
Above all, taking the time to perform these maintenance checks will
give you the peace of mind to enjoy a safe, cool and healthy summer
season.
If you need help with repairs or
improvements, be sure to call the Greater San Antonio Builder
Association at 696-3800 for free copies of the Remodelers Council
Directory and the brochure “How to Choose a Remodeler.”
Jana Ward, of Clear Choice Flooring
and Design, is president of the Greater San Antonio Builders
Association Remodelors®
Council.
