Summer and Winter in Texas can really take its toll on your home, and all you can do while the weather is bad is batten down the hatches and wait for fairer weather. Once spring and fall arrive, it’s important to identify any damage that has occurred and perform essential maintenance to keep your home in top condition. Here are a few vital tasks to consider on your home maintenance checklist.
Check your Drainage
To ensure water runs away from the foundations of your home, verify that the soil surrounding your house declines by at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet, sloping away from your foundations.
Inspect your Chimney
Check your chimney for blockages, loose bricks, damaged mortar, rot, and rust. It’s also important to ensure that the cap is in place and has not fallen to block the opening of the flue. A professional from the Chimney Safety Institute of America can advise you about the repairs you will require and how much they might cost.
Examine Downspouts and Gutters
Tap downspouts with a screwdriver to check for blockages. If they don’t sound hollow, then there may be a problem. You will need to disassemble the spout to identify and remove the blockage. Your gutters should also be cleaned to remove debris and blockages. If they have become bent or dented, you’ll need to repair these areas to prevent water from standing in the depressions.
Inspect your Siding
Wet weather can seriously damage your siding, causing it to rot while strong winds may loosen or break parts of it. Take the time to repair any sections showing signs of damage. Wash it down using soapy water, or hire a professional cleaner to do the job for you.
Check the Roof for Damage
Inspect the roof for any loose shingles or other damage. You can use binoculars if you are unable to climb up to check more closely. A professional can examine any areas you are concerned about and carry out repairs if needed.
Check your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Keeping your GFCIs in working order is particularly important. Their function is to cut the power if a disturbance in the current is detected, protecting you from potentially fatal shocks. Test them by plugging a light or other small appliance into them and pressing the test button. This should shut off the appliance. Press the reset button to return the GFCI to its default state.
Schedule your HVAC Appointment
It is important to get your air conditioning system checked out twice a year. Inform your contractor of any issues you have noticed and ensure that he or she carries out the necessary repairs. The contractor should thoroughly examine all parts of the system and make sure that it is free from blockages and defects.
Schedule a Yearly Plumbing Check
It’s important to look for leaky connections, faulty toilets, malfunctioning water heaters and other issues. Water damage can be very costly and a simple plumbing check from a licensed plumber can save you a ton of money.
Make Life Easy with Our Home Maintenance Checklist!
Using the home maintenance checklist to stay on top of these tasks can preserve the safety and durability of your home throughout the year. So when Winter and Summer roll around again you and your family can stay warm and secure knowing that your house is in excellent condition to endure the harsher weather.