Investing In Essential Maintenance for a Weatherproof Home

It has been suggested that around 1% of the value of your home should be put aside for house maintenance each year. It may seem a lot of money to undertake mundane chores, the results of which aren’t always visible or appreciated straightaway. However, the inconvenience and potential costs of emergency repair work when things go wrong can be devastating. A few simple preventative measures mean time and money can then be spared to improve the look of your home.

Watertight roofs and gutters

2018 was Baltimore’s wettest year on record, with 70 inches of rainfall: nearly 10 inches more than the previous record from 2003. With so much rain, it’s vital to keep gutters and downpipes clear of leaves and debris. This will prevent water from running down the side of the house, causing issues with damp and penetrating foundations as it pools around the perimeter of the property. While cleaning gutters other potential problems may be spotted, such as missing tiles or damage to wooden fascias.

Insulation and draught proofing

Older properties such as Baltimore’s many row houses can be more susceptible to burst pipes, as they are less likely to have been adequately insulated when they were built. To prevent pipes from freezing, they should be covered with foam insulation. Fitting or replacing weather stripping around doors and windows is a very simple but effective way of reducing draughts and improving the energy efficiency of your home.

Heating and cooling systems

There are some simple measures you can take yourself to ensure the smooth running of your HVAC system, such as regularly checking that outside units are not blocked and changing dirty air filters. However, don’t be put off paying a small fee for regular check-ups and servicing by a qualified engineer, as it is considerably cheaper than replacing a whole system. Once a year, change the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working effectively. If you don’t already have a smoke alarm, the Fire Department will fit one for free for anyone living within Baltimore City Limits.

Taking a little time to keep on top of simple home maintenance chores will ensure the smooth running of your home and prevent larger and potentially expensive problems developing in the future. Then you can enjoy spending your money on decorating and upgrading your home for pleasure