The Importance of Regular Home Maintenance

Similar to your vehicle, taking the time to perform routine home maintenance will go a long way to preserve the beauty of your home and prevent expensive repairs. Many expensive repairs can be delayed for several years or avoided altogether by maintaining your home. Here are some of the most important home maintenance tasks to do.

Maintain the Exterior

The curb appeal for your home is important. It sets the tone for your home. If you allow the exterior to become run-down, you could end up facing fines from the city if there are ordinances violated. The backyard is another area that you need to pay attention to. The backyard should be a welcoming environment that is relaxing. A great way to renovate the backyard and provide some added function is by building an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchen designs from Home Exterior Systems will offer you a number of options to boost the appeal of your backyard. In addition to adding a kitchen, take the time to clean the exterior of your home. Clean up the siding with a good power-washing spray and pay attention to your landscaping.

Window Maintenance

Some areas of the home that increase energy costs drastically are the windows and doors. Go around to all the areas of your home and start replacing the weather-stripping of the windows and doors. Adding caulk around the windows can help to prevent air from escaping the home. This will prevent pests from being able to get inside your home as well.

Furnace Maintenance

How often do you have your home’s furnace system properly maintained? Replacing the air filter every month or so will prevent the furnace from working harder than it needs to. Have professional HVAC experts service the furnace to test for problems with carbon monoxide. With the right maintenance and care, a furnace can last upwards of 20 years or longer, versus 15 years like most systems claim.

Roofing Repair

One area of the home that you must care for is the roof. The roof protects your entire home, and without it working effectively, you will have a handful of problems. Leaks, increasing energy costs and other issues arise when a roof is unable to perform correctly. The best way to maintain a roof is to start with the gutters. Make sure the gutters are cleaned out so the water can freely flow off the roof. Consider adding gutter guards to prevent twigs and leaves from getting trapped in the gutters. Another way to maintain your roof is by replacing any shingles that are missing or curling. Examine the flashing of the roof to check if it has problems with mold growth and other concerns. Examine closely around the chimney area, as this area is prone to leaks. With the right maintenance, a roof will last longer and protect your home correctly.

Maintain Pipes

The plumbing system in a home must be correctly maintained to prevent serious leaks from occurring. Check around the toilet seal to make sure it isn’t leaking. Examine the tub, and replace the caulking in the bathtub to keep water from getting behind the tile. Check the age of the pipes to find out if they need to be replaced. Older pipes are prone to problems in the colder months as they could freeze if not correctly maintained.

Following these simple and routine suggestions will save you a headache in the long run. Good home maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your home, and your wallet!

This article was contributed on behalf of Home Exterior Systems, your number one choice when looking for hand-crafted outdoor kitchens in Houston, Texas. Check out their website today and see how they can help you get an even better home!