The long, bright days of summer are a perfect time to make home improvements. A bit of cleaning, repair and maintenance now can go a long way toward preventing costly and disruptive damage to your home.
1. INSPECT YOUR BASEMENT AND ATTIC.
Look for pests, insects, water damage and mold. Turn off the lights and look for cracks of daylight through the walls.
2. EXAMINE YOUR WINDOWS.
Clean your windows and screens and check for damages. Small tears in screens can be fixed with clear nail polish.
3. SMELL FOR MOISTURE.
A dehumidifier can help keep moisture levels down. Put one in your basement to reduce moisture levels and keep a lookout for mold.
4. SEAL INSULATION GAPS.
Missing insulation can occur in almost any part of the house. Add insulation to the cracks in garage or attic doors to keep cooling costs down.
5. CHECK YOUR DECK.
Look for rotting boards, popped screws or loose boards. Test your sealant by pouring a bit of water on the boards. If the water absorbs, it’s time to reseal your deck.
6. CHECK YOUR ROOF.
Look for missing or loose shingles. Check your attic for moisture which could indicate your roof is not watertight.
7. CLEAN YOUR HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC).
Clean your HVAC coils, change your filter, test the fan and make sure there isn’t any faulty wiring that could cause a fire.
8. CLEAN YOUR GRILL.
Use a brush or grill scraper to clear burned grease from your grill. You can burn off any remaining grime by putting all burners on high and closing the lid for 15 minutes.
9. FIX YOUR SIDING.
Paint, clean and repair any issues in your exterior siding to prevent mildew or bugs from getting into the wood.
10. PREVENT GARDEN LEAKS.
Check all hoses and faucets in your garden for drips and leaks. Even small leaks can lead to costly water bills.
For more tips and answers to your summer home insurance questions, please feel free to reach out.
910-762-8551
