When you dream your whole life about having your own house, signing the papers at realtors must be an exhilarating experience. There is a certain level of comfort in knowing that you own the property you live in — you don’t have to worry about a landlord or a deposit, and all the improvements are an investment for yourself. Finally, you’ve found the place where you can put down your roots.
Yet, with homeownership comes great responsibility. If you want to spend long years in your home, you have to keep it in good condition. Unfortunately, your house is constantly exposed to the elements that wreak havoc on the construction. You might want to take preventive measures such as regular maintenance, installing a sump pump, maintaining your roof, and insuring your house.
Nature can be ruthless, and before you notice, your property may be seriously damaged, posing a danger for you and your family. Below, you’ll find some of how you can decrease the damage caused by elements and protect your domestic bliss. Read on!
Install a Sump Pump
A working sump pump is crucial for protecting your house against water damage. Simply put, it’s a must if you live in a flood area or if you’ve experienced past flooding.
A sump pump is usually installed in the basement, where it collects water that otherwise would have flooded your house and pumps it outside. You can either install a pedestal sump pump or a submersible one. The former is ideal for existing basements with a sump hole, while the latter is more convenient, portable, and easy to install. Regardless of what type of sump pump you choose, make sure that it is well maintained, as it is not just a helpful device but also a safety precaution.
Most sump pumps operate using electrical power. If there is a power outage during a heavy storm, there will be nothing to pump out the gathering water. That’s why you might consider buying a power generator that will produce electricity for your sump pump. You can take a look at the top 3 Westinghouse generators to determine if making such an investment is worth it.
Maintain Your Roof
When you purchase a house, you should have a roof inspection done by a certified inspector to ensure that everything is up to standard. If the roof needs repairs, they should be done as soon as possible to avoid further damage. When you have regular maintenance carried out, and you monitor the state of your roof, you reduce the chance of having your house damaged by high winds, hail, or other weather conditions.
Besides calling in experts to repair any potential problems with your roof, it is also vital that you keep it clean regularly. This way, you decrease the risk of mould growth which can cause severe damage over time.
The best way to clean your roof is by using a commercial pressure washer. While you may not do this yourself, it is best to hire professionals who have the necessary equipment and know-how to use it safely.
Clean Your Gutters
Overflowing gutters are a common problem, and if you experience heavy rain, you should check and maintain them regularly. A simple hole or crack can quickly turn into a more significant issue if you don’t.
It is also essential to clean your gutters at least once a year as with roofs. If your roof is surrounded by trees, branches, and other greenery, moss might start growing there and cause blockages. You can use a commercial pressure washer for this job as well.
Use Weather Stripping
If there is one thing that can ruin your comfort and enjoyment in your house, it’s air leakage through windows and doors. It may seem like a minor issue, but air infiltration can lead to significant mould and mildew growth problems and high energy bills due to excessive cooling or heating.
It’s best to use weather stripping around all door jambs and window frames. Some types of weather stripping are designed so they expand when exposed to cold temperatures and shrink when exposed to heat — they will adapt to the shape of the opening they’re in. Other weatherstripping products include foam gaskets and vinyl window sweeps.
Insure Your House
If you want to take care of your house correctly, an insurance policy is necessary. There is always a chance your house will get damaged, either by a natural disaster or because of someone else’s behaviour (including burglars).
Insurance policies are pretty expensive, and they may not be as affordable as you like. Still, it would help if you looked for ways to reduce the price by looking for reputable providers who offer reasonable rates. It is also crucial that you choose the right type of coverage for your needs.
If you live in a flood-prone area, you need flood insurance, and if you want to protect your home against the effects of windstorms and hails, it is best to buy windstorm insurance. Depending on where you live, snow removal and fire coverage may also be required by law.
Perform Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular home maintenance is essential if you want to protect your investment and ensure that your house remains in good condition for years to come. It enables you to monitor the state of your home and catch any potential problems before they get worse. If a minor issue is not addressed on time, it might cause significant damage.
There are a few things that you should check regularly. These include siding and windows, plumbing, electrical work, insulation, and the roof. You don’t have to do it every day, but it is a good idea once a month. If you notice any damage or problems, you can call professionals to inspect the situation and repair it as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The state of your house and the comfort it provides is a reflection of you. While it’s true that you can’t always control the weather, you can do your best to protect your property against nature’s wrath. For long and happy life in your house, make sure to regularly check and maintain your roof, gutters, siding, windows, insulation, and foundation.
It is also essential that you choose the right type of coverage for your needs and create a regular maintenance schedule. Furthermore, you should use weather stripping around all door jambs and window frames, clean your gutters, and check for air infiltration.
If you want to stay in your house for many years to come, ensure that it doesn’t fall apart due to environmental damage.
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