Whether you’ve just purchased a house or have been a homeowner for decades, there are several common mistakes that homeowners often make. Unfortunately, they can also lead to costly repairs! No need to panic though, follow the guide below to ensure you don’t make these errors too.
1. Ignoring Your Roof
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong. Neglecting your roof can be detrimental to your wallet if not taken care of regularly. We recommend that homeowners get a roof inspection every few years. A trained professional can spot any damage that may have been inflicted by past storms or wear and tear that comes naturally over time. Schedule a FREE inspection with us today and rest assured that your home stays safe from leaks and other costly damage.
2. Over-Using Bleach to Clean Your Home
You could be doing more harm than good if you rely on bleach to disinfect every nook and cranny. Bleach can:
- Eat through sealant on stone surfaces such as granite.
- Discolor colored grout and laminate.
- Cause enamel and acrylic tubs to fade.
- Dissolve vinyl and linseed-based flooring such as linoleum
- Corrode seals within the disposal.
Not to mention, bleach can fuel the growth of mold on porous and absorbent materials like grout. Yes, whitening grout with bleach can actually create a mold feeding ground. Uh-oh! A safer option is to go with a water and vinegar solution for your cleaning jobs.
3. Having Ivy Climb Your House
Training ivy to scale your home may seem like a scene straight out of an English fairy tale, but it can actually damage your home. It can dig into the siding and, if removed, damage the exterior itself. The roots of the ivy on siding and shingles can cause cracks in brick and wood, resulting in moisture and insects entering it. These can end up in costly repairs, so maybe ditch the English cottage dream and avoid ivy on your home altogether.
4. Not Keeping Gutters Cleaned
Gutters are vital to your home’s well-being. They help control the flow of rainwater to protect your roof, walls, landscape, and foundation. But if neglected, unattended gutters can turn into a homeowner’s nightmare. When gutters get clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, it can result in a leaky roof or water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Gunked-up gutters can also breed homes for pests, rodents, mold, and bee infestations. If you see sand-like granules in your gutters, it could mean your roof’s shingles are deteriorating as well. If you notice these granules in your gutters or on your driveway, call us for a free inspection to ensure your roof’s integrity.
5. Relying on Chemical Drain Cleaners
Avoiding an expensive plumber and just grabbing the cheaper drain cleaning product at the store sure seems tempting. However, the chemicals in those cleaners, like hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, can erode your pipes. Mechanical methods like your plunger or a drain snake are not only safer but also more effective. A plumber is still a better option than a busted pipe if that doesn’t get the job done.
6. Planting Trees Too Close to Anything
A tree root pushing through your driveway, sidewalk, or your home’s foundation sounds like a nightmare, right? That’s why placing trees at an appropriate distance from your property is essential to avoiding costly cracks and damage later on.
7. Using the Wrong Caulk
Who knew there were all kinds of caulk? There’s bath caulk, concrete caulk, gutter caulk, mortar caulk, and more. Using the wrong type on your project can end up in damage done due to poor adherence allowing moisture to seep in and wreak havoc. Before grabbing up that caulk, make sure you’re using the right kind for your project.
8. Over-Sealing Countertops
No need to smother your poor countertops! Applying sealant too frequently can create streaky or cloudy appearances. So how do you know when it’s time to reseal? Try dripping some water on areas you use a lot and see if the water remains beaded after 15 minutes. If it doesn’t, it’s probably time for resealing. Always refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations though, because different materials can have different needs.
9. Piling Firewood Next to Your Exterior Wall
Storing firewood right outside the backdoor can seem like a great idea for easy access, but it can also be an ideal spot for termites to hang out. Placing firewood at least 20 feet from your home’s exterior is a safe distance and hopefully not too far of a walk to fuel your fireplace!
10. Not Performing Routine Exterior Maintenance
Letting exterior maintenance fall to the wayside can result in costly repairs down the road. Preparing your home for the summer heat can be especially important. If you’ve noticed your energy bills becoming higher than usual, it could mean that your roof isn’t doing its job and could need repairs. Contact us for a free inspection to ensure your roof is ready to handle the summer heat. It could save you lots of time and money in the long run.
Did any of these surprise you, or should any others be added to the list? Join the conversation on Facebook and let us know what you think!
