Take a Walk around your House

This article was originally published on June 6, 2012 and expired on June 30, 2012. It is provided here for archival purposes and may contain dated information.

June is a good month to take a close look at our homes and plan to do some home maintenance work. "Maintaining your home is important so that it stays a good investment," recommends Kathy Sweedler, University of Illinois Extension Educator. Doing regular, small repairs often can save you from large, costly repairs later. For example, small leaks in a roof can lead to significant damage to internal walls overtime.

Now that we're experiencing beautiful weather, take a walk around your house. Look at the side of the house that you don't tend to walk by in the winter. Is there any damage to the house's siding, trim or masonry? Are there any painted surfaces that need to be repainted? Check for damaged gutters or downspouts.

This is an especially good time of year to check vents, louvers, and chimney caps for bird nests. "I almost bought a new dryer one year before I realized that the reason the dryer wasn't working well was due to a bird nest in the dryer vent! This was a home maintenance problem that was cheaply and simply solved," shares Sweedler.

As you walk around outside, look up. Check the underside of your roof where accessible for water stains or dampness. Look for damaged flashing – the material used on your roof or walls to prevent damage from water seepage. Don't forget also to check your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter.

"Unfortunately I usually realize that a window or door needs new weatherstripping when it's freezing cold outside. A much better time to repair damaged weatherstripping and window caulking is this time of the year," says Sweedler. While you're on your house tour, check for broken window glass and damaged screens. Make note of any doors, windows or trim that needs to have the finish repaired.

Celebrate and enjoy the sunny weather. And, while you're outdoors, plan ahead for your home maintenance. Taking care of your home will keep it comfortable to live in and maintain the value of your house.

For more tips about home maintenance, visit University of Illinois Extension's website, Opening Doors to Housing Success, at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/housing/maintenance.html.

Source: Kathy Sweedler, Extension Educator, Consumer Economics, sweedler@illinois.edu

Pull date: June 30, 2012