7 COMMON HOUSEHOLD PROBLEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SUMMER
Winter has its ice storms and freezing temperatures that shock your home. Spring has its abundance of rain. And fall has its mountain of leaves, wreaking havoc on the gutters. Summer, in general, is supposed to be the season you can lay back and enjoy your home – free from nature’s more extreme impulses.
Unfortunately, even summer can affect your home. The heat, coupled with the occasional torrential downpour can have both immediate and secondary effects on the overall health of your home. In this post, let’s look at some proactive steps you can take to fix, maintain and improve your home ahead of the hot summer.
CHECK FOR INEFFICIENT DOORS AND WINDOWS
Low emissivity windows, as well as windows and doors that aren’t properly weather stripped, are going to be inefficient at keeping out the heat. Over time, this means that you pay more out of pocket to cool your home. It’s never a bad idea, therefore, to check for inefficient doors and windows, replacing them or weather stripping if necessary.
FIX AN IMPROPERLY VENTED ROOF
Warm air rises. An improperly vented roof (a roof that doesn’t let warm air escape) means that all that warm air collects in the attic, eventually moving back downstairs. This hot air can even damage the shingles from the inside of the ceiling.
And, like energy inefficient windows and doors, it can mean that you’re paying more to air-condition your home. If your roof lacks ventilation, Contact Dykstra Knight today and chat about ventilation options. Show heat the exit with a properly ventilated roof.
UNDERSTAND THE WIDE-RANGING EFFECTS OF WINTER STORMS
Winter storms hit your home in a number of ways. First and most obviously, the rain hits your home, taxing your plumbing, testing your waterproofing and rushing the gutters.
Talk to a roofer about leak repair. Clear your gutters ahead of the rainy season, and consider installing a metal cage over your vent to keep any rodents or animals out of your home.
DON’T LET BUGS BUG YOU
Bugs are, for better or worse, an inseparable part of the summer experience. At best, they pollinate the garden or keep other insects at bay. At worst, they invade your home and refuse to leave. Honestly, the best way to prevent bugs is to seal off the source; find any and every crack and opening they might get in from, and either caulk or seal it.
KEEP MOLD AT BAY
Microscopic mold spores collecting on everything from your drywall to underneath your rug. Luckily, mold prevention is usually a quick fix. Most mold cases can be prevented by simply opening a couple windows to create a cross-ventilating stream of air. Mold proliferated in moist environments, and fresh air can restrict its access.
WATCH OUT FOR HVAC ISSUES
The ideal time for HVAC maintenance is before the hot weather arrives, but if you didn’t get around to scheduling your recommended annual HVAC servicing in the spring, don’t leave it any longer. There are a few reasons experts recommend an annual HVAC check-up:
- Regular maintenance increases the life of an HVAC system
- Regular maintenance ensures an efficient system, saving you on energy bills
- Clearing out dust and debris accumulated over the winter results in fewer indoor pollutants
- Checking the air ducts will spot any growing mold or pet dander that you don’t want infiltrating your air.
Once a year may seem excessive, but it’s important for maintaining a long-lasting system and a healthy, happy home.
DON’T JUST BRUSH OFF YOUR BBQ ISSUES
The moment the warm weather hits, the grilling tongs come out. Your BBQ gets a lot of use over the summer, and you want to make sure it’s taken care of. Contrary to what some might think, a BBQ is not self-cleaning. A little heat and a wire brush can get you a relatively debris-free surface, but it can’t really tackle smaller bacteria or larger deposits of carbonized oils.
Once in a while, before you start grilling, remove the grate and give it a thorough cleaning in soap and water. Work the insides of the grill dome as well, which can collect oil and, eventually, contribute to off-flavors in your cooking. If you have a charcoal grill, take time every once and a while to clear the soot from the bottom of the cooker with a brush.
If you have any further questions or are looking for an experienced roofer, contact Dykstra Knight today!