Money-Saving, Home-Maintenance Tips
Gutters keep water away from the foundation of the home and the exterior walls. This prevents excess water build up in these areas and can save you from having to replace rotted wood or repair cracked foundations. If you already have gutters on your home maintaining them can be messy, but it will save you lots of money. Be sure to remove anything in your gutters and check for leaking seams or rust at least four times a year.
Clean your Siding
Siding is a large investment, but many people prefer it to expensive paint jobs every few years. Keep your siding looking its best by keeping it clean. If you have painted wood or aluminum siding wash it down with a mixture of 1 cup detergent, 1 quart bleach and 3 gallons of water. Be sure to wear gloves. Rinse off the mixture completely. If you have vinyl siding spray it down with a hose and sponge wash it with water and a mild detergent, then rinse.
Up Top
Your roof is an extremely important item to maintain if you are trying to avoid costly fixes later. A couple times a year you should check in your attic for any signs of water damage. Once a year get up on the roof and check for missing shingles, check for holes around vents, chimneys and corners.
Keep Pests Out
Pest problems are a huge deal to many homeowners and will greatly diminish the value of your home. Keep pests out by following these tips:
- Regularly wash out any garbage cans that have food waste put in them.
- Find and repair any cracks or crevices that may allow pests into your home.
- Repair holes in window screens.
- Keep food preparation and eating areas clean. Wipe down counters after preparing meals, vacuum or wipe up any spills; wipe down cupboards on a regular basis.
Hot Water Heater
Your water heater can last a long time, if you maintain it and keep it in shape. Avoid huge repair or replacement bills by paying attention and following through with some preventative measures.
- If it’s really noisy when you run the hot water, the temperature may be set too high and can cause steam in the pipes. Lower the temperature setting.
- If your water looks dirty or it takes a long time for the water to get warm, you may have sediment buildup in your tank. Turn off the gas or power to your heater, and drain the tank.
