Add a Must-Do List to Your Celebration of National Home Improvement Month
May is not only a time for flowers but also National Home Improvement Month. While most homeowners will be planting those flowers, they should also take care of some of your basic to-do items.
Start with the roof over your head. Grab a ladder and climb up to check things out or grab some binoculars, head across the street and look for problem areas. You'll be on the look-out for missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind.
These are indications that you may need a new roof. If that’s the case, research the newer products on the market, such as polymer shake and slate roofing tiles. These tiles are man-made and come in wide variety of colors.
Next up is the siding of your house. Break out the pressure-washer works to remove dirt and algae that can grow on siding. Do be careful because the high pressure could crack the siding. Be sure to check for changes in the exterior from the previous year and be alert to buckling, warping or insect damage that may need to be fixed.
After the siding, check out your windows. If you find that windows in the home don’t operate easily and there’s air leaking in or out then it might be time for an upgrade. Also look for condensation between the panes.
Check on the gutters. Don’t underestimate the importance of the gutter system on the home. Each year homeowners should check to make sure their gutters are unclogged and remain sloped for proper drainage. Plus, make sure the water running off the roof doesn’t cause damage to the building structure, landscaping or property below the roof.
Spend time with the main entry door. If homeowners can see light around the door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door. Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate.
Lastly, as the weather gets nicer, be on the look-out for problem areas in the basement that might be conducive to bug infestation. Is your garage attached to the house and can pesky insects make their way into the home? Do you have any traps set outside to keep them from coming inside? While small, insects can cause big headaches and at times, you may need to call the professionals.
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