Money Saving Home Maintenance Tips

Start with Preventative Maintenance
The best preventative maintenance you can do is to perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur.

See specific tips for these primary home systems:

	Roofs
	Siding
	Windows

Roofs
Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of your home. Preventative maintenance is a key to saving money on your roof by helping it last longer. Use these guidelines to keep your roof in good working condition for as long as possible.

Roof Inspections - Twice a Year
All roof systems should be checked periodically to be sure that they are free of debris and drains are clear. Inspect your roof at least twice a year and more often if your home is surrounded by trees.

Roof Inspection Points - All Roof Types

	Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
	Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
	Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
	Trim back overhanging tree branches.
	Check the open valley metal for rust.
	Check all caulking and sealants.
	Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it's damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Maintenance Tips for Asphalt Shingle Roofs

	If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae install zinc control strips, including along the hips and ridges, if necessary.
	Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs. One dab on either side should do.
	Replace damaged shingles.

Metal Roofing
In addition to the tips for "All Roof Types" watch for signs of rust or corrosion.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding Maintenance Is Easy
Siding is mostly maintenance free. You can keep your siding looking good for as long as possible by following a few simple tips.

Do Wash It
Once a year, invest an hour or two in rinsing every bit of the siding with a garden hose to get rid of dust and dirt. If allowed to accumulate year after year, the siding will eventually begin to look distinctly grimy and won't come clean unless scrubbed.

Don't Bash It
Be careful where you park your lawn mower, bicycle, or snow blower. Vinyl doesn't dent (unlike aluminum, which sustains big, permanent damage when smacked with a line drive or poked with a rake handle), but it can crack or break, especially when rendered brittle by cold weather. Replace any damaged sections as soon as you can.

Do Inspect It
Although vinyl siding doesn't cause wood rot, it may conceal moisture-related problems from another source. If a leak is hidden behind the vinyl siding -- which is itself impervious to decay -- it may go unnoticed for a long time.

Investigate any suspicious streaking or staining that appears on the vinyl itself or on the exposed foundation wall beneath, either of which may warn of hidden trouble. Because the nails or screws that secure the siding to the wall lose their holding power in rotted wood, loose areas of siding are another warning sign.

Don't Melt It
Vinyl has a low melting point and is slow to burn. You'd be amazed at the number of people who park their gas grills a foot away from the siding and fire them up. Later they notice a big melted patch on the wall. Keep your barbecue a safe distance away from the wall, and be careful with patio torches and other sources of intense heat.

Vinyl Windows

Keep Vinyl Windows like New
New vinyl windows are easier to clean than your old windows. These window cleaning tips will help keep your windows like new - year after year.

Clean the Window Tracks
This is especially true of sliding windows. If you allow dirt and dust to accumulate in the tracks they can make the windows harder to open. Also that dust and dirt, if it gets wet, will encourage mold or mildew growth on the window. Vinyl windows resist mildew better than any other kind of window, but dust and dirt do not.

Wash the Frames
Dust and dirt can make a vinyl window look dull, but remember, vinyl can scratch, so when you wash your vinyl frames that you want to use a non-abrasive cleaner. Usually simple soap and water will do the job, if you have a tough spot use a nonabrasive cleaner. It will keep your vinyl widows looking fresh and new.

Clean the Glass
While most vinyl windows offer easy to clean glass, clean it regularly. Especially if little fingers love to touch it. A little window cleaner whenever the window looks dull will make sure that your windows look brand new year after year.

Clean the Screens
Those lovely screens that keep the bugs out need to be cleaned. A little soap and water followed by a good hosing will keep them from clogging up and looking ratty. Be careful when you wash them not to use something that will catch the fibers, a small towel or washcloth is all that's needed to get rid of most dirt. To remove stubborn dirt try soaking the screen in a tub of soapy water then rinsing the screen with a garden hose. This will extend the life of the screen and keep it looking brand new.

Learn more about home improvements and maintenance with these informative articles.

[How to Choose a Home Improvement Specialist]
[Window Energy Efficiency Standards] [How to Choose Home Siding]
[How to Make Home Improvements Pay for Themselves]

Relax and beautify your home with peace of mind. Call The Affordable Company,
1-888-681-5600.