Your house is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and like any investment, it needs routine maintenance and care in order to retain (and ultimately increase) its value and usefulness. Seasonal maintenance is not only about keeping up appearances in your home — though a well-maintained house is always going to be more valuable than one that’s been neglected — it’s also about preventing costly repairs (and inconveniences) and keeping your family safe and comfortable all year long. If you keep up with a logical home care schedule through the seasons, you can catch minor repairs before they become costly expenses, and prolong the life of those major systems in your home.
Spring: Awakening Your Home
It’s spring and a good season to check out the effect of winter on your property. Begin by examining your roof for loose or broken shingles, taking care to look near chimneys and vents. Give your gutters a deep clean, clearing them of gunk that has built up in the fall and winter. This stops water damage and gains an exit for spring rains.
Inspect the exterior of your home to see if there are any cracks in the foundation, siding, or caulking around windows and doors. Even small gaps can permit moisture entry, resulting in major structural problems over time. Replace weatherstripping as necessary and check your deck or patio for loose boards or railings.
Summer: How to stay in top-form
Summer Upkeep tends to be related more to your home’s cooling systems and protection on the outside. Vacuum or change air conditioning filters once a month in peak season. A dirty filter causes your system to strain harder, resulting in higher energy bills and a shortened life span.
Power wash the exterior of your home, from the siding right down to the walkways and driveway. This not only adds to curb appeal but it also rids mold, mildew and damaging dirt that can cause long-term wear and tear. Trim trees and shrubs away from your house to avoid damage in summer thunderstorms and increase air flow.
Fall: Preparing for Winter
Prepping for fall is important to safeguard your home through harsh winter months. Call in a pro to inspect and tune up your heating system so it runs at its most efficient. 13 If you use your fireplace and chimney regularly, have it and the chimney cleaned.
Drain and put away garden hoses to prevent freezing and turn off the exterior water valves. Regularly rake leaves — wet leaves on your lawn can kill grass and create slippery conditions on walkways. Clean gutters one more time after leaves fall to facilitate drainage.
Wrapping Up
Seasonal maintenance preserves the investment in your home and protects your family’s safety and comfort. Establish a maintenance routine, and clean in segments for easier, ongoing maintenance, the same way live casino online sites prioritize updates to always deliver a peak-performance experience. Keep in mind that sealing and weatherproofing are as much a part of a maintenance regimen – and it depends on quality products to distinguish between temporary patches and long-term protection. Make sure you spend time on routine maintenance, investing in the thousands to save yourself from major repairs and keeping your home’s value high in the years forward.
