RSS Blog FeedHome Maintenance looms over the fall horizon
Nov. 7, 2008Home Maintenance looms over the fall horizon
While we've been enjoying our summer sports and leisure, most of us have neglected our home maintenance shores. "Oh, sure," we said, "We'll get to that next week." But with all the heat and humidity, working around the house just didn't sound all that appealing.
Now, just when you're thinking of curling up with a good book by a blazing fire, you get hit with reality! Winter is coming and you'd better prepare your house for it or suffer financially later on. Even in Southern California the rains can come and that roof repair had better be fixed correctly.
Where to start? Begin by checking the condition of your roof. Do you have any loose or broken shingles or tiles? Check the eaves where cracks can let in water or ice if you are in the mountains. Did you remove those beautifully colored leaves this fall? They are not so pretty when they cause your gutters to freeze up and you're subjected to damage.
As long as you're looking at the roof, take a moment to inspect the chimney. Check for loose or crumbling mortar. Is the metal flashing around the base in good condition or does it need some caulking? Be sure the inside of the chimney is clean before winter use. It is also a good idea to install a screen over the top of your chimney so that animals do not invite themselves in to take advantage of the warmth.
The exterior of your home should be your next concern. Secure any loose siding before it is bent or blown off due to winter winds. If you have wood siding, make sure that it has a good coat of paint and check for cracks or missing boards. Check your stucco and repair any areas that water could enter. Make sure you foundation is free from soil build up. Water can get behind these areas and cause serious damage. The windows should be inspected and repaired by replacing broken seals and using glazing compound where needed.
The exterior of your home should be your next concern. Secure any loose siding before it is bent or blown off due to winter winds. If you have wood siding, make sure that it has a good coat of paint and check for cracks or missing boards. Check your stucco and repair any areas that water could enter. Make sure you foundation is free from soil build up. Water can get behind these areas and cause serious damage. The windows should be inspected and repaired by replacing broken seals and using glazing compound where needed.
Inside your home, the most important item to check is your furnace. Many people just turn it on when they feel the first chill in the air.
A wiser thing to do is to inspect the area around the unit first. Is it clear of any combustibles? Did anyone store boxes near the furnace this summer? Check furnace mortor. Check the filters and make sure they are clean for a new season. Even electronic filters need to be washed. Germs, mold and dirt have been collecting there all summer and may cause fall colds or flu.
Listen for any funny sounds when the unit is first used. A repair bill now may be small compare to waiting until something major happen.
Listen for any funny sounds when the unit is first used. A repair bill now may be small compare to waiting until something major happen.
Many utility companies will inspect your equipment for free if you give them a call. Safety checks now can save lives.
If you are planning on leaving your home during the holidays be sure to shut off your water supply so a slow leak will not cause you major problems. I once had the ceiling of my lower level family room collapse when my ice maker had a small leak that went unnoticed. If you live where pipes can freeze and leave a home during the entire winter months be sure to winterize your home before you close it up for the season.
