Just like a car, homes need preventative maintenance. Ignoring periodic preventative maintenance on these four home systems can result in paying the price for an entire system failure.
Roof
Yes, a roof is a system. It’s just not a mechanical system. What all home roofs have in common is that they all have layers that work in conjunction with each other as a system. Of course, the outer layer is your primary concern because it keeps your home air and watertight. Shingles don’t last forever, though. Even a new roof can get damaged by the elements. That’s when it leaks. Leaks damage ceilings, walls, floors, and any personal property on the floor. Get on a ladder twice a year and give your shingles an inspection. Look for wet spots in the attic on the plywood beneath the shingles. Replace any damaged shingles.
Drains
Every house has drains. Midwestern Plumbing Service Inc. in Cincinnati tells us that hair, soap, grease, and toilet tissue are the primary causes of clogged drains. Kids will drop anything down a drain or toilet, too. Household drain cleaners can be dangerous, particularly for kids. They’re only a temporary fix as well. The problem will only get worse, and when it migrates to your sewer line, you could be in for digging and sewer repair price shock. You might want a plumber to come in once a year for drain cleaning.
Exterior Painting
Most homes are brick or aluminum-sided now. That doesn’t mean that your trim doesn’t need paint, though. Paint seals the wood from the elements. When the trim around a picture window rots out, you’re sending energy money outside of your house and allowing the elements inside to damage floors, ceilings, and walls. High-quality paint isn’t expensive. Some caulk and good exterior paint seal your home. Well-painted trim and an inviting front door add to curb appeal too.
HVAC
Dirt and grime are the first to attack a heating and air conditioning system. Changing filters is cheap and easy, and you can do it yourself. Regular professional HVAC maintenance prevents malfunctioning in the future, adds to the longevity of your system, and also saves you money on energy bills. Energystar.gov gives you an excellent HVAC maintenance checklist. Always make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning, too.
Periodic home maintenance is inexpensive. The cost of repairs for ignoring regular home maintenance is exponentially higher. Don’t ignore it.
