8 Ways You Could Be Ruining Your Home Without Realizing

Since the worldwide pandemic began we have all spent more time in our homes than before. This has drawn our attention to ways we could be better maintaining our home or making improvements on our homes. There are some things that we may be doing or not doing that are causing damage to our homes without even realizing it.

Some of those things include:

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.

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.

Taking proper care of your home not only benefits you and how your home functions for you, but it will pay off when you go to sell your home. A well-cared-for home will have fewer problems come inspection time and speak volumes to buyers when they walk through to look at it. Well-maintained homes sell faster and more successfully.

Related: Tips for Maintaining and Designing Great Outdoor Spaces