Home Maintenance Checklist - Part 1
If home maintenance isn’t your expertise, we’ve got you covered. In our day to day, we spend a decent amount of time with general home inspectors and know a lot about the upkeep of a home. Each month we will share a short home maintenance checklist that’s approachable in our newsletter. Sign up below to be added to our list.
We asked one of our favorite home inspectors, Taylor Vreeken at Professional Inspection Services, to put together a short list of items to keep your home in shape for years to come. Here are his recommendations for this spring.
It’s important to understand that home maintenance applies to every house regardless of construction materials or location. Whether the house is being purchased, sold, or simply lived in by a responsible homeowner, consistent maintenance is critical. Keeping this wet, windy, and cold season in mind - here are a few home maintenance tips to ensure the longevity of the exterior:
Keep recently overwatered trees and foliage away from the home’s exterior (annually)
Nothing does a better job of wearing a hole in expensive roofing than a tree blowing in the wind and rubbing on the roof all day.
Overgrown foliage can cause damage to siding, trim, and window screens. It can also provide a direct route for wood-destroying organisms, such as termites and wood beetles. One weekend of landscape maintenance once or twice a year, can save tens of thousands over the lifetime of a house.
Inspect the roof and perform light maintenance (every 3-5 years)
Roof penetrations such as plumbing vents, furnace vents, chimneys, etc., are re-sealed multiple times throughout the life of a roof. The lack of this simple maintenance is the #1 cause of moisture intrusion into a home.
Roof inspections are often necessary after wind-driven rains. These inspections can reveal missing tiles or shingles that should be addressed. If left unrepaired, this can lead to significant issues in the future.
For homes with a tile roof - tiles break with or without the help of foot traffic. It’s not uncommon for normal expansion and contraction of a home to break a tile or two throughout the years. A roof tile's main purpose is to protect the felt or underlayment below it from UV rays and physical damage. If left unrepaired, the felt will deteriorate and cause moisture intrusion, leading to costly repairs.
3. Inspect and paint all exterior wood (every 5-7 years)
Keeping your home's exterior wood freshly painted, caulked, and free from rot and damage is a great financial return. It's difficult to find a better one. This applies to stucco houses with wood eaves and trim as well.
Homeowners should inspect eaves, facia boards, windows, and door trim casually. If any hint of deterioration is revealed, they should paint them as soon as possible.
Some areas that are protected from sunlight can last up to 10 years without needing to be repainted. However, wood components that are exposed to full sunlight can deteriorate in a single summer season, if the weather is harsh. Often with quality of paint… you get what you pay for so choose wisely.
Did you know you can have your home inspected annually by an expert? They can provide you with a list of items that should be addressed to keep your home in good condition. We are happy to connect you with reliable professionals in the San Luis Obispo County area. Please reach out to us for recommendations.
