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By Jana Ward
Car
owners understand the necessity of having their vehicle maintained
so it runs properly and lasts a long time. Like regularly changing
the oil in your car, preventative maintenance to your house will
help the materials used to build it last longer and avoid extensive
repair projects. And, just like properly maintaining your car is
necessary for the safety of your passengers, taking care of your
house can help keep your home safe and avoid injuries to your family
and friends. The following is a check-list of preventative
maintenance projects that are sometimes
overlooked:
Well Water
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Take a
water sample to a laboratory to test for purity.
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Central Air
Conditioner
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Clean or
replace the air filter once a month.
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Prune any
shrubbery that is restricting the circulation of
air.
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Attic and
Garage
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Clean and
discard paper and junk.
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Remove the
grates from drain pipes in garage floors and in the driveway,
then scoop out muck and flush with garden hose.
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Vents in Foundation, Soffits
and Eaves
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Make sure
screens are intact to keep out squirrels and other rodents,
birds and insects.
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o Carefully knock off wasp and bee nests from eaves.
Wood
Decks
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Nail any
raised boards and hammer in any popped nails.
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Refinish
with stain or paint if raw wood is exposed.
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Look for
signs of decay and termites in wood near or in contact with
the earth.
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Sewer Lines
o Inspect the grass above the sewer lines. If it is
greener than adjacent grass, it may indicate a leak in the
line.
Septic System
o Have it inspected and cleaned if necessary.
Gutters and Downspouts
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Scoop out
leaves, seed pods and other debris.
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Flush the
gutters and downspouts with a garden hose.
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Look for
pools of water that reveal sags in the gutters.
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Straighten
bent gutter hangers.
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Driveway
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Patch holes
and seal cracks.
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Fences
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Hammer in
popped nails.
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Tighten
loose posts.
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Paint or
stain if raw wood is
exposed.
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Siding
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Look for
blistered or peeling paint. Decide if it is time to paint your
house.
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Check for
popped nails and loose or cracked clapboards. Caulk when
necessary.
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Sliding Doors
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Clean the
tracks.
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Check the
locks and tighten the
hardware.
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Screens and Screen
Doors
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Inspect,
repair and clean the screens and screen doors. It may be
necessary to paint them before re-installing
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Fireplace
o Clean and empty the ash pit if the fireplace has
one.
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Clean
chimney.
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Hot Water
Heater
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Drain the
sediment from the bottom of the tank.
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Consider
having tank insulated to reduce heat loss.
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Exhaust Fans
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Clean the
blades.
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Oil the
motor.
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Ornamental Iron
Railings
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Sandpaper
rusted areas and treat with rust-inhibiting
paint.
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Electrical
Circuit
o Identify the fuse or circuit breaker that controls
each circuit; make a diagram and affix it near the
box.
By staying on
top of your home maintenance, you can add years to your home’s
parts. You’ll also enjoy your home more and save money on
energy bills and home repairs. If you need professional help,
call the Greater San Antonio Builders Association for a free
Remodelors® Council Directory to help you find a qualified
professional. Call 696-3800 for your free
copy.
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