One of the most important aspects of home maintenance is ensuring that your home is comfortable and safe. This means checking for leaks, drafts, or any other potential issues that may cause uncomfortable temperatures or poor air quality. It’s important to inspect all areas of your home regularly and to address any problems as soon as possible.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Keep Your Home Interior And Exterior In Great Shape:
Interior
Windows:
Windows are an integral part of any home. They allow you to let in natural light, bring fresh air into your home and provide you with views of the outside world. Therefore, maintaining them properly is important to reduce energy costs and keep our homes comfortable.
Clean your windows before winter arrives. In addition to cleaning away dirt, dust, and grime, this will help prevent condensation on the cold glass during the winter months. If you have wooden window frames, check for rot or damage caused by moisture which can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew if left unchecked.
Replace old caulking or glazing around window frames regularly, as these can become brittle over time, causing gaps that let in drafts and dampness; don’t forget to inspect your weather stripping as well. This will help reduce energy costs and keep out unwanted drafts.
If you have double-glazed windows, it’s important to check that the seals haven’t failed, which can lead to foggy glass panes. If this is the case, replace the sealant or contact a specialist window installer for assistance.
Inspect your windows regularly for any damage, such as cracks in the frame, loose joints or peeling paint. Over time UV light can cause wooden frames to become brittle, so regular maintenance is essential if you want them to stay looking good and functioning properly.
Finally, take some time once every few months to open and close your windows to make sure they are operating correctly. This will help prevent sticking and ensure smooth operation for years to come.
Doors:
Doors are just as important as windows when it comes to home maintenance. Regularly check for signs of rot or damage around wooden frames and make sure the hinges are covered in a coat of oil to prevent them from drying out, cracking or squeaking.
Check that the weather stripping is still intact, and replace it if necessary. This will help keep drafts and heat loss to a minimum, reducing energy costs and keeping your home comfortable during winter.
If you have metal doors, check for rust or peeling paint. If necessary, remove any rust with sandpaper, apply a primer, and then repaint your door. This will help protect it from further damage caused by moisture and temperature changes.
Finally, inspect the locks on your doors regularly and make sure they are operating correctly. Check that all the screws are tight and lubricate them with graphite or a silicone-based lubricant to prevent sticking.
Floors:
Regularly sweeping, mopping and vacuuming your floors will help them last longer and keep dirt and dust from building up. Make sure you clean any spills immediately to prevent staining or damage to the finish.
Check for signs of rot or warping in wooden floorboards. If necessary, call a specialist to replace any damaged boards, as this will reduce drafts in your home and help keep things looking good.
If you have carpets, vacuum them regularly and make sure they are free of stains. You should also consider professional steam cleaning once every year or two, depending on the amount of foot traffic in your home.
Finally, if you have tile floors, inspect any grout lines around tiles for any major cracks that may need to be filled in. Make sure you use the correct sealant for this job, as some can cause staining or discolouration.
Walls:
Check all walls in your home for signs of dampness, discolouration or cracking. Get any problems fixed by a professional as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
Using a damp cloth, wipe down any marks on the walls that may have been caused by furniture or art pieces. Investing in some quality wall paint will also help keep your home looking fresh and vibrant.
Finally, inspect the ceilings of each room for signs of mould growth or sagging plaster. If you find any problems contact an experienced builder to repair them before they get worse and cause permanent damage.
Furniture:
Regularly vacuum and dust any upholstered furniture to keep it looking good and prevent dirt build-up. If necessary, take any cushions outside and give them a good beating to remove any accumulated dust.
Check for signs of wear and tear in leather furniture, such as cracking or peeling. If your leather looks dull, you can invest in some quality leather cleaner/conditioner to help bring back its natural shine.
Finally, inspect the legs or bases of all your furniture regularly for signs of splintering or damage caused by moisture. Replace or repair any damaged areas as soon as possible to keep your furniture looking great for years to come.
Boiler:
A well-maintained boiler is essential for keeping your home comfortable and reducing energy costs. Make sure to regularly inspect the air pressure and filter and check the water level in the tank. If necessary, call a professional to take a look and make any repairs, adjustments or boiler replacement.
Check your boiler’s hoses, pipes and joints for signs of corrosion or leaking. If you find any problems contact a qualified engineer immediately – not only will this help reduce repair costs it can also prevent carbon monoxide leaks which can be highly dangerous.
Finally, make sure to have your boiler serviced at least once a year by an accredited engineer. This will ensure your appliance is running efficiently, saving you money on fuel bills while also helping to prevent breakdowns.
Fixtures:
Check for any loose or broken fixtures in your home, such as door knobs, light switches and curtain rods. Tighten any loose screws or replace the entire fixture if broken.
You should also inspect any plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for signs of blockages, leaks or corrosion. If you find a problem, contact a plumber immediately to repair it before water damage occurs.
Finally, make sure to check all electrical fixtures, like light bulbs and outlets, to ensure they are still functioning properly. Replace any faulty bulbs or outlets with new ones as soon as possible to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
Exterior
Roof:
Inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as cracked shingles or loose nails. Then, call a professional to repair any issues that you may find as soon as possible.
Check the gutters and downspouts for signs of corrosion, cracking or clogging. Make sure to clear out any obstructions with a hose or garden trowel and reattach any detached downspouts.
Finally, check for any moss or algae growth which can be removed with a power washer. Invest in high-quality roof tiles to help reduce heat loss in colder months.
Gutters:
Clean out your gutters twice a year during spring and fall to remove leaves and other debris that can block them over time. Call a professional if you cannot reach certain areas or find any signs of corrosion or cracking on the gutters.
Check the downspouts for any clogs that may have formed due to dirt and debris. Clear out any obstructions with a hose or garden trowel, and make sure to reattach any detached downspouts.
Exterior Walls:
Inspect all external walls for cracks, discolouration or damp patches. If needed, call a professional to repair them before they get worse and cause permanent damage.
Check the windows for signs of cracks, chips or warping. Replace any broken glass and invest in quality window frames to help reduce heat loss in colder months.
Using a damp cloth, wipe down your walls to remove any dirt or marks that may have been left behind by furniture or art pieces. Investing in some quality wall paint will also help keep your home looking fresh and vibrant.
Finally, inspect all doors for wear, corrosion or damage. Make sure to regularly lubricate the door hinges and tracks so that they open and close smoothly.
In Closing
By following these steps, you will be able to keep your home looking great while also helping it withstand the elements. Regular maintenance is key when it comes to exterior home care, so make sure to check on each area at least once a year!
Disclosure: This is a featured post.