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Wednesday, June 12, 2002 Time to gear up for home maintenance By Eddie
Lusher, President
Spring is nearly gone and summer is almost here, which means it's time for a thorough, semi-annual maintenance check of your home. Doing a few chores now, will help ensure you'll live more comfortably throughout the summer months. Investing time now can also save money on repair bills and save valuable time better spent enjoying the season. Many of these simple tasks can add years to the life of your home and prevent major headaches as the mercury rises. Get started by inspecting the outside of your home for water leaks. Key areas to examine include overhangs, awnings and exposed siding where snow and water might collect and cause materials to decay. Repair or replace anyareas showing water damage. Also, venture outside during the next storm and watch how the rain rolls off your roof and out your gutters. Be sure that the water empties a good distance from your foundation, so that it cannot seep into your basement or settle at the foundation. Take advantage of this time to make sure your gutters are clear and that water is moving unencumbered through your downspouts. Next, take a look at all of your windows and doors for drafts and airleaks. Caulk any seams and re-glaze windows if needed. It's a good idea to clean all of your windows, inside and out, including the screens. Replacing any worn weather-stripping around doors will help keep cool air in the houseand your electric bills down. Remember to check the filters on your heating and cooling units each month, and replace them as needed. And, considerhiring a professional to clean your ducts where dust and airborne particles can build up. This also is the right time to service your air conditioner. Don't wait until it breaks down likely during the most unbearable heat wave of the summer to focus on maintaining your unit. If it's not already, shade the outdoor part of the air conditioner from the sun, clean the unit and inspect the filter. A little bit of cleaning and maintenance now could save you days or weeks of suffering this summer. Now it's time to tackle the roof. Using a sturdy ladder, climb up to eye level to inspect the flashing around chimneys and vents. Re-tar any cracks and repair or replace any shingles that are buckled or broken. While you're at it, clean out the gutters and downspouts and sweep the shingles free of sticks, leaves and other debris. Since you're already outside, take a look at the paint on the house and the trim. Does it need to be repainted or cleaned? It's a big job, but will make a considerable difference in the look of your home. Wood that is properly protected from the elements can last for many years. Be wary of conditions that invite termites. Termites threaten the structure of a house by eating its framing lumber. And, because they look like ants, termites are often difficult to identify. Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair will help eliminate pools of water close to the house that attract termites. Repairing leaky plumbing and drainage under the house, and keeping the house and crawl space properly vented will help keep these areas dry. Keep tree stumps and firewood from beneath or around the house, and be sure that firewood is stored off the ground. Finally, cut all shrubs and bushes away from the foundation. Continuing your outside inspection, appraise stair railings, steps and sidewalks around your home. Tighten any loose connections and smooth outcracks or ridges in the walkways. If your steps have settled or shifted, consider hiring a professional to repair them, so that no one gets injured on your property. Clean oil and dirt from the concrete walkways and driveway and watch for ice damage that may have occurred during the winter months. Lubricate door hinges and replace any worn locks. And, don't forget to check the doorbell. Inspect any fencing for holes and test gates for ease inmovement. The track for your garage door may need a bit of lubrication as well. The mailbox post should be stable and the house numbers clear replace any house numbers that have broken or fallen off. Spring is the ideal time of year to inspect your fireplace and chimney. Look around for visible cracks, nesting animals or other signs of damage. Use this opportunity to have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney, check it thoroughly and make any necessary repairs. Finally, review your safety plan for evacuation in case of fire, tornado, hurricane or other natural disaster. By having a plan of action that you and your family prepared in advance, you may gain valuable time during an emergency. Above all, taking the time to perform these maintenance checks will give you the peace of mind to enjoy a safe, cool and healthy summer season. (Eddie Lusher, who is with Jerry Ballard Homes, is president of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, which serves a membership of approximately 485 builders and associate members in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether counties.)
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