Mid-Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
After a few weekend getaways, you may notice that your home has begun to show signs of an active summer – inside and out. Take the time now to do some maintenance tasks to keep your home working optimally through the Labor Day weekend, marking the end of summer.
Keep the hot air outside your home. Now it is time to re-check your windows and doors for drafts and air leaks that may have developed with kids more frequently coming in and out of the house. Experts recommend caulking any seams and re-glaze windows if needed and replace any worn weather-stripping around doors to help keep cool air from escaping. Also, replace or repair any screens that have tears.
Change your HVAC filter. During these heat waves, your air conditioner has likely been running all summer season. Check your filter to determine if it needs to be replaced. While some manufacturers recommend replacing your filter about once a month, the actual time will depend on your household: how often the air conditioner runs, the number of furry pets in your home, the age of your unit, etc.
Secure loose fittings. Another simple maintenance task is to check the railings and posts on your deck to ensure that they are not becoming loose. If you have a playset in your backyard, check to see if any connections need to be tightened. This is especially important during the summer months when playsets get the most use.
Check your gutters. In addition to the heat, summer storms bring extra water that can damage gutters and downspouts. Inspect your downspouts to ensure they are draining away from the foundation. Clear your gutters from debris that gathers during summer storms. Also, be sure there is no standing water around your yard, which attracts mosquitoes and other pests. Water pools around your house also attract termites, so drain all the excess water.
For more home maintenance tips, contact the NCBIA. We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
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