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Gutters 1

Things You Should Be Doing But Don’t

Owning a home is a lot of work.  There is quite a bit that goes into maintaining a home property. We all know the filters on the air conditioners need to be replaced. Ok maybe not all us, you know who you are. In addition we know the pool skimmer needs to be emptied, grass needs mowing and windows need to be cleaned.  However often owners fail to realize there are dozens of other elements in a home that need care and maintenance.

Here is a summary of the most common tasks that homeowners should be attending to on a regular basis but may not be doing. Yes we are talking about you. 

HVAC Tune Ups – You should have your air-conditioning systems serviced twice a year.  Once in the fall and once in the spring.  This allows technicians to clean the coils, replace the filters and check for other maintenance needs.  A perk of having this contract is you will get much faster service if you do have a repaired needed (vs someone calling in from the yellow pages) and often you will get discounts on repairs not covered by the service agreement.

Rain Gutters – Your gutters should be cleaned at least once a year.  Even if you have leaf guards crud can still build up in the gutters preventing them from operating properly.  During the cleaning the crew should also be doing minor repairs and apply sealant to joints to prevent leaks.

Caulk Windows/Doors – Your windows and doors should be caulked at where they come in contact with the exterior of your home.  Over time this caulk can weather and crack.  Each year you should have your windows and doors inspected and caulked as necessary.  There will also be some expansion joints in brick/stone work that should also be sealed.

Fire Sprinklers – If your home has a fire sprinkler system you will have a double check valve at the riser.  There riser is the pipe in the wall usually behind a linen cabinet door. State law requires these be inspected annually and proof of the inspection be submitted to the local municipality.

Roof Check Up – Over time the sealant on your roof can wear away.  We recommend at least once a year you have a roof technician complete an inspection (we call them tune ups) of your roof.  They can reapply sealant, paint stacks and inspect the roof for other maintenance issues.

Dryer Vents – Dryer vents can accumulate lent over time.  Lent is highly flammable and obstructions can affect how your dryer operates. This require periodic cleaning.  Not just the hose from the dryer to the wall but the pipe in the wall as well.

Chimneys – Do you have a wood burning fireplace?  If so you need to have the flue cleaned periodically.  This will remove the soot and debris left from burning logs.  Clogged chimneys can create drafting issues and in some cases a fire hazard.  Have your chimneys cleaned at least once a year.

Smoke Detector Batteries – Ok, yes we know you know, but we also know you don’t do it and wait until they start chirping at 2am.  Batteries should be replaced no less than once a year. Usually folks use Daylight Savings Time as reminders. Of course if they ever do finally abolish Daylight Savings we are going to be in big trouble.

And much more – There are many more items which require periodic servicing including; flushing out water heaters (tanked & tankless), generator service, cleaning out drain lines, appliance servicing and more.  

Our homes are much more complicated than they used to be.  As the components get more expensive manufacturers are requiring proof of regular maintenance to keep warranty coverage in place.  It can be difficult for homeowners to keep track of all the different components of their home however failing to do so can be an expensive mistake.

We suggest you reach out to your home builder, a reputable and qualified handy man service and/or specific service providers to help you care for your home.  Garabedian Properties does offer a monthly subscription program as an option for families.  Please inquire for details.

Take care of your home so it can keep your family comfortable and safe.

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