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Living in Texas means experiencing extreme temperatures during summer and winter, which can cause stress on your home. Fall and spring are the ideal time to identify any damage and perform essential maintenance to keep your home in top condition. By including the tasks below on your home maintenance list, you can ensure that your home is ready for any season and avoid costly repairs.
Schedule a HVAC Check-up
It is important to get your heating & air conditioning system checked out twice a year. Inform your contractor of any issues you have noticed and ensure that he or she carries out the necessary repairs. The contractor should thoroughly examine all parts of the system and make sure it will perform optimally during the upcoming winter.
Check your Drainage
To ensure water runs away from the foundations of your home, verify that the soil surrounding your house is sloping away from the foundation. Be on the lookout for water pooling in areas near the foundation.
Examine the Roof for Damage
Inspect the roof for any loose shingles or other damage. You can use binoculars if you are unable to climb up to check more closely. A professional can examine any areas you are concerned about and carry out repairs if needed.
Inspect your Chimney
Check your chimney for blockages, loose bricks, damaged mortar, rot, and rust. It’s also important to ensure that the cap is in place and has not fallen to block the opening of the flue. A local chimney professional can be found through the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
Inspect your Siding
Wet weather can seriously damage your siding, causing it to rot while strong winds may loosen or break parts of it. Take the time to repair any sections showing signs of damage. Clean away dirt buildup and mildew on your own, or hire a professional cleaner to do the job for you.
Clean & Inspect your Gutters
Tap downspouts with a screwdriver to check for blockages. If they don’t sound hollow, then there may be a problem. You will need to disassemble the spout to identify and remove the blockage. Your gutters should also be cleaned to remove debris and any accumulation. If they have become bent or dented, you’ll need to repair these areas to prevent water from standing in the depressions.
Test your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Keeping your GFCIs in working order is particularly important. Their function is to cut the power if a disturbance in the current is detected, protecting you from potentially fatal shocks. To ensure your GFCIs are working correctly, it is essential to test them regularly. Simply plug a light or small appliance into the GFCI and press the test button. This should shut off the appliance, indicating that the GFCI is working correctly. To restore the GFCI to its default state, press the reset button.
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