A Free Kick in the Shorts!

When I talk to homeowners about the value of preventative home maintenance the usual response is “that makes a lot of sense!”  Then, like a New Year’s resolution, it’s gone.  Out-of-sight – Out-of-mind.  It just seems to be permanently on the procrastination list. It’s time to get preventative home maintenance off the procrastination list and we’re offering to help with a free kick in the shorts.

The following are just a few examples of how regular home maintenance can prevent much bigger problems.

Clean Your Gutters

One of the top items on any routine home maintenance list should be cleaning the gutters.  Gutters collect more than just water, yet anything besides water needs to be removed from them.  The images below show one of the consequences of not routinely cleaning your gutters.

This gutter was literally ripped off the attached garage along with the fascia board.  This occurred because the collection of leaves prevented it from draining properly.  In the winter the trapped water froze.  Additional melting snow on the roof runs to the frozen gutter and also freezes – adding additional weight.  This cycle continues until the weight becomes too much and does damage.

Not only was this preventable, but there was another costly unintended consequence in this situation.  If you look closely at the picture on the right, you’ll see a damaged soffit vent and yes that’s a raccoon causing that damage.  You see, we repaired the fascia board not realizing that there was a raccoon in the attic.  Now she’s trapped and she’s going to do whatever damage she needs to, to get out.  While this situation could have been a lot worse (she could have done more damage) the repair (including raccoon eviction) cost the homeowner a ton more than the cost of gutter cleaning.

Clean Your Dryer Duct

Another maintenance item that should be routine is cleaning your dryer duct.  If this item is ignored, the cost could be the loss of life.  Dryer vent fires are the leading cause of residential fires.

Once, while remodeling a bathroom, I overheard the customer complaining about the dryer not working right – “It’s taking way too long to dry!”  I told her I’d take a look before I left.  The picture shows what I found in the flexible duct alone.  This thing was clogged.  Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a picture of what came out of the ridged dryer duct, but I can tell you it was at least 10 times the amount in the picture.

Forget about the energy wasted and focus on the danger.  Clean or have your dryer duct cleaned at least once a year.

 Clean Your A/C Unit and Change Furnace Filters

The pictures show an air conditioning unit that is just suffocating and a dirty furnace filter compared to a new furnace filter.  No, they are not extreme examples of poor maintenance, in fact, they are pretty typical of what we see every day.

Units in this condition are not working properly or efficiently.  Not only do they waste energy but they are also over working and shortening their useful life expectancies.  That translates into money out the window.

Note: Cleaning the A/C unit can be very dangerous and is not a project for the typical homeowner.  Contact a professional for help.

Inspect and Repair Caulking in Bathtub and Shower Enclosures

This is one of those 10 minute – $10 items, that if left unchecked, can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.  Even the small cracks and openings shown in the pictures are taking in water.  Over time the water is causing tremendous damage.  You should also know that the pictures came from two different homes – both approximately two years old.  Inspect your tub and shower enclosures at least once a year.

Inspect and Repair Exterior Caulking

Yes, that is mold growing behind that base board.  The second picture shows how the water was getting in.  There were dozens of openings like this one all around the house.

This is another fairly simple inspect and repair task that could prevent considerable damage to your home and health.  It often requires getting on a ladder, but at least once a year, take a look and fill the holes.

The above represents just a few of the home maintenance tasks that need to be on a regular home maintenance list.  Our House & Home Maintenance List has over 300 items on it and not even that is all encompassing.  If you need help, Contact Us.  If you just need a kick in the shorts – a free kick in the shorts at that - click here.

Don’t let the safety, comfort and beauty of your home go the way of that last New Year’s resolution – start a routine home maintenance program now.  Do It!

Enjoy!