Home Maintenance Guide:

Keeping Your Property in Top Shape

Your home is more than just a place to live; it's an investment in your future. To protect and enhance that investment, regular home maintenance is essential. From painting and roof repair to energy-efficient upgrades, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of maintaining your home.

Painting: Refresh and protect your home

Painting your home is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh its appearance and protect it from the elements. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances curb appeal but also acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing rot and decay.

- Exterior Painting: Aim to repaint the exterior every 5-10 years, depending on the climate and the type of paint used. Pay attention to peeling or fading paint, as this is a sign it's time for a refresh. If your home has wooden siding, or wooden doors and windows, you should have a professional painter come to inspect yearly and touch-up any areas that need attention.  Special attention should be given to the caulking joints at all home openings and corners, as these are the most likely to crack and allow water in. House Custom Carpentry, LLC has a few recommendations for exterior paint products.

1. Osi Quad is our preferred brand of sealant, made of urethane instead of latex; their products are less prone to cracking. HCC is a certified installer for OSI Quad sealants, flashings and spray foams. Click here to find out more about OSI Quad

2. Often when we need to paint home exteriors, we turn to Sherwin Williams.  They have several lines of high-quality paint available. Our most trusted line is the “Duration Exterior”.  Click here for SW Duration

-Interior Painting: Inside, consider repainting high-traffic areas every 3-5 years. Not only will your home look better, but properly maintained paint can also improve indoor air quality. Moving furniture to paint will also give you the perfect opportunity to give your home a thorough deep clean and inspect for any damage that may be otherwise overlooked. The highest cost of painting is the labor (or time) involved, so don’t be tempted to save money by using poor-quality paint. The results will be disappointing in the long run and your savings will be minimal at best. For interior paint we recommend:

1. For interior trim molding paint- SW Emerald, simi-gloss (this can even be used for built in cabinetry)
2. For interior wall paint- SW Super Paint, flat (remember to use primer for bare wood, drywall, or to change to a lighter color.

Roofing: The Overhead Guardian

Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home from the elements. Regular inspection and maintenance can help extend its lifespan and prevent costly leaks and repairs. Roof leaks can lead to major problems. The list includes wood rot damage, drywall damage, ruined insulation, electrical safety hazards, and air-born contaminants like mold and mildew.

-Inspection: Annually inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, signs of wear and tear, and potential leaks. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage. It’s certainly a good idea to check your roof after large storms for blown off shingles or hail damage. If you choose to involve a ladder in your own inspections, please use the utmost care.  Always have a second adult with you to stabilize the bottom of the ladder as you climb up.  Make sure that your ladder is at the appropriate angle, is locked, and is not resting on any slippery or weak surfaces. Avoid going on to the roof.

- Professional Maintenance: Hire a professional for a comprehensive roof inspection every 2-3 years. They can identify issues that might be overlooked during DIY inspections. Make certain that any roofing contractor you hire has, and is willing to present, a copy of their insurance documentation. This should include both Workers Compensation and General Liability policies. Feel free to reach out to us for help with your roofing needs.

Doors, Windows & Exterior Trim: Defending Against Water Damage

Fascia boards, doors, windows, and gutters are often overlooked but play a crucial role in preventing water damage to your home.

- Fascia Boards: These are the boards right below and running parallel to the roof lines. Examine fascia boards for signs of rot or damage. Fascia boards are prone to water damage and require more care than many other components. Replace any damaged sections promptly to prevent structural issues. If you have peeling metal fascia, or badly damaged boards; consider a full replacement to protect the framing lumber behind them. We recommend PVC composite lumber (best choice), or PVC coated aluminum (good choice) because both options will protect far better than wood.

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure proper water drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to water backups that damage your fascia boards and soffit components. Gutter guards can be a great way to minimize debris buildup and clogs and make them easier to clean. One great method is to clean the gutters both on the first day of winter, to clean out all the leaves left from fall, and the first day of spring. Put it in your calendar now so that you don’t forget!  

-Doors & Windows: Let the light in, keep the elements out. Check windows and doors for air leaks and reseal or replace weatherstripping as needed. If you can see daylight through the gaps in the doors, this is a sign that they need a tune-up. If you have doors that have become hard to open and close, this is a sign that moisture is getting in and causing swelling. This could also be a sign of foundation or structural issues, be sure to check with a Contractor if you begin to see these symptoms.

If you have blinds on your windows, be sure to occasionally lift the blinds all the way up to check for any cracked or fogging glass.  Foggy glass is a sign of double pane glass seal failure and should be addressed to avoid thermal loss/gain or moisture intrusion.  Vertically operated windows that become difficult to open could be a symptom of a broken balance cord (the mechanism that helps lift windows as you slide them upwards).  This can potentially be a very easy fix, so why wait to find out.

As a matter of security, all windows and doors should be fully functional and able to open, close, and lock easily.

Regular Home Inspections: The Preventative Approach

Regular home inspections are the cornerstone of effective home maintenance. These inspections help you identify potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.

-Foundation: Inspect your home's foundation for cracks or signs of settling. Address any issues promptly to prevent structural damage. Make sure that there is no standing water or puddles near the foundation of your home, as these can compromise the foundation’s integrity. Avoid planting bushes too close to the house as the root systems can cause foundation problems. Bushes too closely planted can also cause more rainwater to splash back onto your home’s siding.

-Pests: You should have an ongoing contract with a local exterminator to ensure that you don’t have infestations of WDO’s (wood destroying insects). Any home insurance claims involving WDO’s are almost always denied, and the amount of damage that these insects can do is astounding. If you have snakes on your property, don’t kill them unless they are venomous.  If you find any beehives in or around your home, please call your local beekeeping club to come and responsibly remove them.  In the Wayne County area, you can contact Beekeepers of the Neuse at 919-289-9796.
TIP* If you have an exterminator going into the crawlspace underneath your home, ask them to let you know if you have any puddles of water, mold, insulation that has fallen, or any notable cracks in your foundation. They usually are glad to give an informal assessment.

-Plumbing, Electrical & Mechanical: Periodically check for leaks, drips, and drain blockages in your plumbing system. Re-caulk the joints in and around your shower, bathtub, toilet and sinks regularly to prevent water damage.
Inspect your attic and crawlspace for any open electrical ‘junction boxes’ as these are a potential hazard. Be on the lookout for anything that smells like burning electrical components.  If you have breakers that regularly trip, have a licensed electrician come to inspect the issue.

You should have an ongoing maintenance contract with a local HVAC company to come and regularly service your air conditioning unit.  Regular cleaning, fuse, and pressure testing will go a long way towards keeping your AC running smoothly, extending its longevity, and preventing costly repairs.

-Important notes-
*Make sure that you clean out your dryer’s flexible vent pipe yearly to
*Make sure that you have a functioning smoke detector in each wing of the house.
*Have a fire extinguisher on hand for emergency; extinguishers need to be replaced every ten years to be most effective.

Energy-Efficiency: Savings for You and the Environment

Incorporating energy-efficient upgrades into your home maintenance plan not only reduces utility bills but also contributes to a more sustainable future.

-Doors & Windows: The best way to increase energy efficiency on older homes is to replace the home’s doors and windows. Modern manufacturing technologies and materials have revolutionized the fenestration industry. House Custom Carpentry, LLC is a Certified Installation Contractor for both
   Therma-tru Doors   &   Andersen Windows & Doors  
* The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average U.S. home can save anywhere from $101-$583 per year by replacing windows alone. Replacing your doors and windows can cut your bill even more than that, and at the same time it can drastically improve the look and functionality of your home.

* In addition, the IRS is offering a $1,200 dollar tax credit paid out at the end of the tax year to cover part of the cost of replacing your doors and windows. Click Here for the IRS website.

If you’re not ready for a complete replacement, consider adding Larson Storm Doors to your home. These will help with draft sealing and preventing water damage or intrusion to your doors, while looking great.

-Insulation: Ensure your home is properly insulated to reduce heating and cooling costs. Floor system insulation can sometimes fall out of the joist cavity within the crawlspace. Attic insulation often gets compressed from people walking or working. Both issues make it harder to heat and cool your home, leading to higher electrical bills and reduced indoor air quality.

- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replace old appliances with Energy Star-rated models to save on energy consumption. This would include refrigerators, ovens, water heater tanks, and ovens. If you have natural gas available, consider having us install a tankless water heater. These are far more efficient than their earlier counterparts, and they deliver the hot water much faster. Electric models are available as well.

Conclusion

Home maintenance is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and a proactive approach. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your home in excellent condition, enhance its energy efficiency, and protect your investment for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained home not only provides comfort and security but also adds value to your property.  Please find the free DIY home maintenance checklist available on our website at www.housecc.ltd