Spring forward with home maintenace tasks
With warmer weather around the corner, homeowners are getting ready to spring forward with an array of cleaning, organizing and outdoor maintenance.
The National Association of REALTORS庐 states that certain home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all of a home蘑菇视频 systems running properly.
Zillow.com reports that routine maintenance can also improve a home蘑菇视频 resale value, increase the efficiency of a home and appliances, and reduce costs associated with emergency repairs.
According to Richard Adams Jr., co-owner of Adams Roofing located in Spraggs, Greene County, spring is the best time for homeowners to look over their homes after the thaw of winter.
Adams recommended inspecting the foundation at your home for water damage as well as the roof, gutters and downspouts.
鈥淚t蘑菇视频 good to do as soon as spring hits with warmer weather coming for summer,鈥� said Adams.
With the outside of a home exposed to more wear and tear from winter, Design and Architecture magazine suggests to examine caulking around windows and doors, as well as open windows and doors and look at weather stripping.
Also, inspect the roof for broken or missing shingles, or tiles, and clean out gutters and downspouts.
Terry Vassar, owner of Windows R Us in Brownsville, said it蘑菇视频 important for homeowners to check windows for broken seals, that could cause the insulation inside them to escape.
Vassar said homeowners can tell if a window has good insulation by simply placing their hand on the inside pane, which should feel room temperature.
Windows should also be checked for ice or condensation.
鈥淪ixty percent of heat loss is due to windows and doors,鈥� explained Vassar.
If a window needs replaced, Vassar said it蘑菇视频 important to look at the quality, manufcturer蘑菇视频 warranty and if it is energy star rated to help cut down on heating costs.
While it may be too soon to plant flowers and water the lawn, Design and Architecture Magazine reported it蘑菇视频 not too early to get garden hoses, walkways, and adjacent landscaping areas ready.
This can be done by replacing cracked or old garden hoses, raking away leaves, tree limbs and debris from sidewalks, planting beds and surrounding areas.
Concrete and paver areas can also be pressure washed while power washing is recommended for vinyl siding, brick walls and vertical surfaces.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), states it蘑菇视频 important to clean gutters, since debris may have accumulated in them over the winter, and they need to be clear for summer rain storms.
For safety concerns, NRCA recommends hiring a professional to check a roof for discolored or missing shingles, warping and peeling that can hinder energy costs.
Chimneys and pipes also need inspected for any gaps in the flashing, or rust spots and to make sure that no animals have nested them.
Adams suggested having the mortar around a chimney inspected by a contractor every few years because it decays after time.
Interior walls should be checked for water damage as well as ceilings, said Adams because it could be related to a leaky roof.
It蘑菇视频 also good to check for cracks, said Adams, which can be a sign that a house is settling.
According to Better Homes and Gardens (BHG), spring cleaning provides a perfect opportunity to check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.