The Window Source Essential Maintenance Skills Every Homeowner Should Know New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine
Every home requires necessary maintenance and upkeep. There are many tasks that nearly almost every homeowner can do on their own. Here are essential maintenance skills that every homeowner should know how to perform.
Inspect Your Windows
Windows protect your home. They also help regulate the temperature and comfort of your house. Like anything else in your home, they’ll eventually wear out. Worn out windows can let both air and water into your home. Therefore, check for signs of deterioration on a regular basis. Walk around the exterior of your home and inspect your window frames for peeling or flaking paint. Look carefully for cracked wood as this could be a sign of water penetration. Check the interior floors, ceilings, and walls near windows for water spots and other signs of moisture. If you spot any of these problems, then contact an expert for a window replacement.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
When was the last time that you’ve cleaned out your rain gutters? If you can’t remember, then it’s time to get out your ladder and clean them out. When your gutters get clogged with dirt and debris, it causes them to overflow and can lead to significant damage to your foundation. To clean out your gutters, begin near the downspout. Remove any debris and leaves that you notice clogging the downspout. If you feel confident about getting on a ladder, you can use a small garden shovel to clean your gutters yourself After you are finished clearing out all of the leaves, take a high-pressure garden hose to rinse the gutters out and make sure water is flowing through them properly. You can find attachments online to connect to your hose to make the job easier.
Repair Vinyl Siding
Siding is a critical component of any home. It helps provide insulation and shield your home from harsh weather. Over time, vinyl siding can get small dents, holes and other damage. You should inspect your siding on a regular basis for signs of damage. It is so important to repair damaged siding quickly so that it continues to protect and insulate your home efficiently.
Small dents and holes can be fixed quickly. You can use exterior caulking explicitly made for siding. Choose a color that matches your siding and squirt a good amount into the hole. After it dries, then use a razor scraper to cut the excess caulk so that it is flush with the rest of the siding.
If your siding has larger holes or is buckling, coming loose or splitting into larger areas, then you should call a professional right away. These things could indicate that you have water damage. Professionally repairing or replacing the siding right away can prevent additional damage and repair costs.
Maintain Your Front Door
Entryway doors have to withstand snow, mud, and rain along with wear and tear of being opened thousands of times a year. Eventually, your entry door will need to be replaced. Properly maintaining and inspecting your door on a regular basis will help it last longer. Perform an inspection of your front door at least once per year. Look for damage to the hardware, weatherstripping or door itself. Also, check for signs of moisture, such as condensation build-up between the panes of glass. This means that you need a new door.
