6 Things All Homeowners Should Do Once a Year
Our homes are like humans: They need a yearly check-up! By performing routine maintenance on our houses at least once a year, you can end up saving time and money in the long run by preventing serious issues from happening. Follow our guide to annual home maintenance below!
1. Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Lint can build up over time, which leads to higher energy bills and even dangerous house fires. Be sure to disconnect your dryer before cleaning.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Our roofs endure weather from vicious thunderstorms, heavy snow and ice, and much more. This can wear on your roof over time and eventually causes leaks. Check your roof once a year or after a big storm to check for any missing or damaged shingles.
3. Examine Your Foundation
Repairing the foundation of your home can be extremely costly. This is why it is essential to assess your foundation annually. Examine your foundation by looking for cracks and gaps in your flooring, window frames, and doorways.
4. Search for Water Damage
A small leak here or there may not seem like a significant problem however leaks and water damage can accumulate quickly, causing damage to your home. Check for leaks, mold, and bubbling paint on your drywall around areas such as your sink, windows, and any plumbing fixtures.
5. Look For Gaps in Your Windows
As our windows handle various weather throughout the year, they swell and return to normal. Occasionally, this can cause gaps. With gaps in your windows, your energy bill will significantly increase while your heating and cooling sources struggle to maintain their temperature. Fix gaps with materials such as adhesive weather stripping and caulking.
6. Drain Out Your Hot Water Tank
Draining out your hot water tank at least once a year can extend its life span by clearing it of any sediment that accumulated at the bottom.
