8 Ways You Could Be Ruining Your Home Without Realizing

• Using the Wrong Cleaners 

Cleaning floors, counters, stoves, etc. The type of cleaner you use to get the grime and kill the germs can be very important to how each item in your home holds up over time. Some cleaners can ruin certain surfaces in your home. For example: you do not want to use acidic vinegar on natural stone surfaces. Make sure you know that the cleaner you are using is made for the surface you are cleaning.  

• Not Draining the Water Heater 

"With time sediment can build and form a crust inside the water heater, especially if you have hard water. This can lead to clogs and malfunctions. To help prevent this from happening the water heater should be drained at least once a year." - Alexander Gutierrez - Mesquite NV Realtor®

• Not Checking the Roof  

Your roof should be checked at least once or twice a year to make sure all shingles are in place without damage and to make sure there is no moss growth. These things can be big problems that lead to leaks and structural damage.  

• Not Checking or Ignoring Signs of Moisture 

Unresolved moisture issues lead to much larger problems. Homeowners should be doing regular checks for puddles, condensation, mold, mildew, leaks, drips, etc. to catch problems while they are still small.  

• Only Cleaning Gutters Once a Year 

Yes we all know that the gutters on our homes need to be cleaned, but they should be cleaned on a regular basis. This is especially important for homes in wooded areas where trees shed debris often.  

• Not Checking the Chimney 

Just behind space heaters, chimneys are the leading cause of heat system related fires in homes. A chimney should be cleaned and inspected once a year.  

• Slamming Exterior Doors 

Regularly slamming the door pushes the door jamb out of alignment with the trim. This can create air gaps in exterior doors and bring in moisture and cold air.  

• Not Using Enough Caulk 

"Caulk is a very useful and handy substance in the home. It can help improve energy efficiency, control moisture, and keep insects and pest out of the structure and foundation."   - Sara Mehrpouyan, Woodland Hills Realtor®