Central Florida Inc.
Home Maintence Tips
Home maintenance isn't restricted to repairs. In fact, certain tasks--when performed regularly--may actually prevent things from breaking in the first place. But when things do go wrong (and it's inevitable that they do), you can trust that we will be there ready to help.
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ROOF
From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer. The hot summer sun can quickly damage a roof’s shingles, so you may want to call a contractor if you haven’t inspected your roof in several years. Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
GUTTERS
Leaves from the Fall could be clogging up your gutters. Clean out the leaves and other debris that have collected in them. If you can, get up on a ladder and clear them out. If you can't hire a handyman to clean your gutters out. Check for loose or leaky gutters then check to see if the gutters are safely attached and haven’t sprung any leaks. Also, make sure that downspouts direct water away from the house’s foundation. Improper drainage can lead to water in your home. Make sure the downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
WINDOWS
Are any of your windows cracked? Is there any air leakage around the casing or joints? Are the screens in good repair? Do any of them need to be replaced before the upcoming mosquito and fly season. Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
ATTIC
Does your attic smell musty? If you have an attic, check it for leaks from the roof. Inspect the underside of the roof and the insulation closely for any discoloration, deterioration or dirt stains, as the leaking water might have dried up.
DOORS
How about the casing around your doors, too? Is there any air leakage? Is there a need to replace any glass or screen doors?
PAINTING
Do you have any painted exterior wood trim, decking or siding that is beginning to peel? These items may need to be stripped and resealed or painted. Temperatures are especially favorable for painting in the Spring.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Are your outdoor power sources free and clear of debris? Do you have enough outlets? Just something to think about now so that when you need power for your next barbeque everything is working and ready to go.
A/C
Have a qualified HVAC contractor come out to give your air-conditioning system a tune-up. To help lower your energy bills, do this every year to ensure the system is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency. Also make sure to inspect your system’s condensate drain hose, especially since we live in a humid climate. This hose could become clogged with algae and sediment, and your contractor may charge you more to clean it out. Avoid this extra cost by checking the hose periodically yourself. Use a wet-vac to suction any blockage out from it.
POWER WASHING
Is there any dirt build up on your home's exterior? How about debris built up in the crevices of your porches or walk ways? Do you have brick or cement paths which have been covered with mold during the wet seasons? Power washing is a speedy way to clean up those outdoor surfaces.
DECKS & PORCHES
Do you have any wood decking which may need to be replaced or refinished? If you have a patio deck, inspect the wood for stains, discolorations, or warping. If you find any, consider resealing the deck. To verify that your old application still works, pour some water onto the dry deck and check to see that it beads up. Most deck-sealer manufacturers recommend resealing annually, but if there are no immediate problems worth addressing, you can likely wait until the following spring to reseal. Check for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotting wood. Also look for rusting nails or any nails that are coming out or weakening their connections. And be sure to check the railings and stairs to make sure they are secure and not wobbly.
Are there any cracks in any paved or cemented areas which should be taken care of before they get worse? Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk, power-wash and then seal the concrete.