Things You Should Do Around The House Every Year

Keeping your house clean, tidy, and maintained can feel like a never-ending task. You do one thing, and another crops up in its place. For others, they don’t even think about it until something goes wrong. It would be best to do many things around the house every year to keep it running smoothly. If you want to keep your home in tip-top condition and avoid any stressful surprises, this article is for you. It will go over a few key things you should do around the house every year. Keep reading to learn more!

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is what protects your home from the elements, so you want to make sure that it is up to the task. Given that your roof is one of the most critical parts of your house, it only makes sense to give it a yearly inspection to ensure that it is in good shape. There are a few things you can look for when you inspect your roof:

1. Check for any missing or damaged shingles. If you see any, replace them as soon as possible to prevent water from leaking into your home.
2. Take a look at the flashing around your chimney and other openings in your roof. Ensure that the sealant is still in good condition and that there are no gaps or cracks.
3. Check the gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are clear of debris and that water can flow freely.
4. Take a look at the condition of your roof overall.

If you see any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or sagging, be sure to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Clean Your Gutters

One of the most important – and often overlooked – maintenance tasks for your home is cleaning out your gutters. Gutters play a crucial role in keeping your home in good condition, and if they’re not properly maintained, they can lead to severe problems. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, leading to leaks and water damage. They can also cause ice dams to form, damaging your roof and gutters. And if gutters aren’t correctly attached to your house, they can pull away from the fascia and cause even more damage. In short, it’s essential to keep your gutters clean – and that means doing it at least once a year.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

As any homeowner knows, you have a lot of upkeep to keep everything running smoothly. One task that is often not thought of is cleaning the dryer vent. While it may not seem like a big deal, failure to clean the vent can lead to many problems, including decreased efficiency, increased energy bills, and even a fire. Fortunately, cleaning the vent is relatively easy and only needs to be done once a year. The first step is to unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall. Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any lint from the vent. Once the main vent is clear, reconnect the dryer and turn it on for a few minutes to remove any remaining lint. Finally, use a brush to clean the inside of the vent pipe.

Check Your Foundation

Checking your foundation is something you should do every year to ensure the stability of your house. There are a few things you can look for when examining your foundation:

1. Look for cracks in the mortar or concrete. These can be small hairline cracks or more significant gaps. If you see any cracks, it’s essential to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
2. Check the level of your foundation. It should be level with the rest of your house. If it’s not, this can indicate that the foundation is settling and needs repairing.
3. Take a look at the landscaping around your house.

Ensure no vegetation is growing close to the foundation, as this can cause severe damage over time.

Inspect Sinks And Tub Drains

Countless homes suffer from clogged or otherwise damaged sinks, and tub drains every year. A simple inspection in most cases can help avoid these problems. Whether you live in an old house or a brand new one, it’s essential to look at your drains each year to ensure they’re in good working condition. Inspecting your drains is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Remove the drain cover and take a look inside. If you see any gunk or buildup, use a small brush to clean it out. In addition, be sure to check for any cracks or damage. If you spot any problem areas, it’s best to have them repaired as soon as possible by a licensed plumber.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms play a vital role in early detection, giving people the chance to evacuate before the smoke and flames become too overwhelming. However, old or damaged alarms can fail to activate, leaving homeowners at risk. For this reason, it is essential to check your smoke alarms regularly. Once a year is generally considered sufficient, but more frequent checks may be necessary if the alarm is starting to show signs of wear and tear. By taking this simple precaution, you can help to keep your family safe from fire-related hazards.

Conclusion

Each year, homeowners are faced with many tasks to maintain the integrity and safety of their house. You may put some of these on the back burner, but you’re shortchanging yourself if you do. The best thing you can do is get ahead by planning out what you need to do each year and then following through on those plans before it becomes impossible to enjoy them! What maintenance task have you been putting off? These tasks are essential to keep your house running smoothly and avoid disasters. If you want your home to last for years, it’s necessary to take care of it. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your house is in good condition and will last for many years.