Maintenance Tips from your local Home Inspector.
The summer is the perfect time for homeowners to take advantage of the extra daylight and tackle some essential home maintenance. From a home inspector’s point of view, there are two main categories that defects usually fall into: deferred homeowner maintenance or builder oversight. Keeping up with maintenance can help to make sure that you continue to live in a safe and comfortable environment. This can also help you to get top dollar for your home if you’re looking to sell.
The Columbia Gorge can be harsh on your home.
With the extreme temperature changes and the abundance of wind in the Columbia Gorge, both the interior and exterior of your property can be affected. Neglecting home maintenance can lead to unnecessary wear and tear and lead to more severe problems in the long run – costing you time and money. Did you know, insurance may also be less apt to tackle a claim if signs of owner neglect are present? Be proactive today and follow these quick home inspector maintenance tips to keep your home in check over the summer season!
7 Summer Maintenance Considerations
Examine exterior sealant
Look at the exterior sealant around the windows and trim in your home. Are there any spots in the caulking that appear to be cracked? Any time that there are two joining materials – in this case the siding on the outside of the home and the window trim – you want to be sure that there are no points of entry for water, pests, or other to enter the home. This could lead to water intrusion and further problems if left untreated.
Examine exterior paint
While you’re outside peeking at the exterior sealant, take note of the condition of the exterior paint. Are there any places in the paint that appear to be cracking? Are there any holes in the paint? Peeling? Missing paint can lead to water intrusion and wood decay. Summer is a perfect time to head to your local hardware store and get a gallon of paint to touch up the exterior of your home. If you’re unable to reach the high points safely, consider hiring a professional to help you out.
Examine gutters and drainage
Part of your summer home maintenance should include making sure your gutters are intact and free of debris. Are there any points that appear to be detaching from the roof edge? Did you notice any water pooling near your house this last winter? Summer is the perfect time to fix those drainage issues and assure that water is properly draining down the gutters and away from the foundation. Water pooling near the foundation could jeopardize its integrity over time.
Examine roof
While you’re up on a ladder checking the gutters, take a peek at your roof. Is any part of the roof covering looking worn? Fasteners that appear to be raised instead of flush? These could all be points of moisture intrusion later down the line. Moisture intrusion can lead to things like microbial growth, interior wood decay, and overall structure damage. Take note of any tree branches that could be rubbing up against the roof covering and work to get these removed before damage occurs.
Examine HVAC systems
Changing your HVAC filters to manufacture specifications or at least seasonally will help to assure that you’re not breathing in last season’s dust. This also helps to make sure the system continues to run smoothly. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing the efficiency of your system and increasing the wear over time. Keep your outdoor unit free of debris and recommended manufacturer clearances all around so that air can flow freely. Clear away any leaves, branches, or other debris that may have accumulated around your outdoor unit. Summer months are the perfect time to schedule routine HVAC servicing. A professional can identify any problems with your system and recommend repairs if needed.
Make your home wildfire safe
It’s no secret that the Columbia Gorge has been home to an unfortunate number of wildfires in the recent years. Helping to protect your investment by taking wildfire precautions is a summer must. The Gorge Commission, along with local departments, suggests a 50-foot perimeter around your home free of trees, large shrubs and debris. Move any wood you have stored for the winter away from the property you’re trying to protect. This will not only help to create a barrier, but the wood could also be harboring unwanted pests that could find a way into the place you call home.
Check irrigation system
While your irrigation system is up and running this summer, now is a good time to look at how and where the water is going. Assure that the sprinklers are not dousing your foundation or house and that all irrigation heads remain intact. Unnecessary amounts of water consistently up against your foundation or house can jeopardize integrity and lead to decay.
Maintaining your home during the summer months is crucial.
By following these home inspector tips outlined in this article, you can keep your home in top shape this summer. From maintaining your HVAC system, touching up painting and caulking, to examining your roof, these tips can help you keep your home safe, functional, and free of defects for many seasons to come.
Hire a Home Inspector for a To-Do list!
If you are looking for a to-do list over the summer, hire a home inspector! High Prairie Home Inspections is certified as annual home maintenance inspectors. This allows us to perform a thorough inspection of your property and provide you with a report of items that might be needing more attention. Having a detailed list of what to tackle first can help you know where to spend your time and energy. Routine inspections can help to identify problems before they become severe. This can also help to avoid costly repairs in the future. Keep cool this summer and keep your home in top shape!
