Must-Know Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner—whether new or longtime—you likely perform various maintenance around the house, such as mowing the lawn or dusting. That said, some critical upkeep tasks elude homeowners, with dire consequences. Our list below details some must-know maintenance tasks for homeowners. Read through it to ensure you’re not skipping any simple tasks that will keep your home safe and functional.
Chimney Care
A chimney and fireplace combo provides homeowners with a safe, cozy way to warm up their homes on cold evenings. However, newcomers aren’t always privy to how much care goes into a chimney to keep it safe. For instance, creosote accrual is common in fireplaces, which is why hiring a professional for an annual inspection and cleaning is critical. Creosote creates an unappealing odor, and it’s also a common cause of house fires when homeowners allow too much to buildup in their chimneys.
Many other different chimney problems can occur, but proper prep and trained experts will help you find solutions.
Detector Inspections
After installing smoke detectors, you simply let them sit on the ceiling and do their thing, right? Unfortunately, it’s not so straightforward. Smoke alarms should undergo annual inspections from a professional. However, these tests aren’t the only upkeep your alarms need to work properly. Give your smoke detectors a thorough inspection every three to six months to ensure that no dust, cobwebs, or other forms of debris are blocking the sensors. Something as quick and easy as carefully dusting a smoke alarm will help the device keep you safe every day.
Gutter Cleaning
Among the most helpful maintenance tasks for homeowners is cleaning the gutters. Your gutters and downspouts carry rainwater away from your foundation, but twigs and other debris can block the system over time. Inspecting the gutters and downspouts every six months ensures you can spot potential problems before they snowball into larger issues. For example, rainwater overflowing from the gutters can seep into your home through the walls and cause moisture damage. Suffice it to say, between the mold production and structural degradation, water is not something you want soaking into your home’s walls unsuspectedly. Homeowners can inspect and clean gutters themselves or hire a professional. Another useful tip is to inspect gutters after a bad storm to ensure the wind didn’t blow a bunch of leaves or tree branches into them.
Using all the above tips can prevent avoidable problems from affecting your wallet and health.
