Summer Maintenance Checklist
Summer is here, it’s time to run through your Summer Maintenance Checklist. This will help you catch any items that need to be repaired before you have an issue that could end up costing a large amount, rather than the cost of your time to ensure that your home is well maintained.
Replace Furnace Filters
To keep your furnace running efficiently, you need to change the filters every three months. These filters collect airborne debris and allergens. Keeping a dirty filters mans your furnace has to work twice as hard to push out heat.
Grade Soil/Landscaping
Soil and landscaping needs to be graded away from your home. This means that the slope of your lawn needs to be moving away from your house. This is because water will take the path of least resistance. If the dirty in your yard slopes towards your home, water will follow the slope and then find the easiest point of entry into your foundation.
Fill Foundation Cracks
Water can enter into small cracks and holes in your foundation and, over time, can cause significant damage to your foundation. To protect your home, repair these cracks and holes. Clean away dirt and debris and fill holes and cracks with sealant.
Clean up Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew grow where water sits on absorbent surfaces. If left away, the spores will continue to grow making the mould/mildew patch grow in size. Left even longer the spores will eventually penetrate from the surface to the inside of its host (perhaps a window frame) and eventually start to grow in other areas where moisture is an issue.
Replace Cracked Caulking Around Windows and Doors
Wooden window sills and doorframes are prone to rot and this becomes an easy access point for pests, as well as, a great place for mould and mildew to start growing. Don’t caulk over old caulking. Use a knife and remove old caulking and reapply a new seal around the window/door.
Replace Worn Shingles and Cracked or Bent Roof Flashing
The roof of your home is the first line of defense to keeping out the elements. During the Summer is the best time to inspect your roof for any loose shingles, this is a weak spot in your roof’s defense, and could end up being a spot where water and pests can gain entry to your home. If you are unsure about getting onto the roof of your home, hire a professional to handle this inspection and repair for you.
Test your Hot Water Tank Pressure Valve
Hot water tank valves do, on occasion, get blocked up and this can make your tank unstable. Test the valve once per year. Place a bucket or bowl under the valve, do not use your hand or cloth, as the water is scalding hot. Turn the valve. The valve is working if water pours out. Turn valve back off.
Locate and Check Main Shut Off Valve for Water
Typically your plumbing pipes won’t stop working. You want to test your main shut off valves once per year to ensure that this shut off hasn’t seized. Homeowners tend to forget about the shut off valve until one day a plumbing nightmare happens. If the valve hasn’t been checked annually, it could be seized. Simply twist the handle left and right. Open it up all the way, and close it all the way down. If there is rust or gunk, consider cleaning off the dirt and spraying with a bit of lubricant. You just need to ensure the valve is in good working condition.
Test All Faucets for Leaks
A leaky faucet might not seem like a big deal, however; a leaky faucet can loos up to 128 Litres per year. Place a bowl or bucket under each external and internal faucet. Check the next day. If there is water in the bowl, your faucet leaks. You may need to hire a plumber to do the fix for you.
Check Bulbs, Outlets and Cords
Bulbs in outdoor lights, indoor and outdoor electrical outlets and cords should all be examined. Replace broken or burnt out bulbs. Outlets and cords that get hot to the touch should also be replaced, as it means the lifespan of the product is coming to an end.
Should you have issues with your home, and need to have restoration work done to your home, call in the professionals at Stutters Disaster Kleenup. Our Project Managers, and trained Technicians will ensure your home is returned to pre-loss condition.
We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to better serve you. Call Stutters Disaster Kleenup at 1-877-763-1540.
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