Spring Home Maintenance

Corspect Advanced Home Inspection

The grass is finally turning green, trees are developing their leaves for the season, and spring flowers are beginning to bloom. With Mother Nature issuing in spring you as a homeowner may be thinking about your spring home maintenance checklist. Below you will find a list of items to consider for your spring summer home maintenance.

Fall Home Maintenance

Exterior Maintenance Needs:
1. Your Roof – if you feel comfortable climbing a ladder inspect your roof. If not obtain a pair of binoculars. If you find any issues call a local professional to assess your roofing needs. Check your roof for:
a. Damaged or missing shingles
b. Signs of rusting
c. Crackling or leaking of shingles

2. Gutters – clean your gutters of leaves and debris to allow proper draining. Reattach any gutters that are sagging with new hardware.  Caulk and seal holes to prevent leaking. Make sure all downspouts are properly directed away from the foundation of your home.

3. Inspect Concrete – Check for cracking of your concrete driveway, sidewalk, walkways, and pool deck. Fill cracks with concrete filler or silicone caulk. If your drive or sidewalks are severely damaged you may need to seek professional help to have them properly                         replaced.

4. Faucets – inspect outside faucets for possible freeze damage from winter conditions.

5. Air Conditioning Units – clean your air conditioning unit by removing debris that has collected on it. Be sure to check all sides, this includes the back of the unit. Spring is an excellent time to contact your HVAC professional for an annual check-up and tune-up.

6. Deck – check your deck for signs of discoloration and warping. Check for loose nails/screws. Check your railing system to make sure it is secure. Replace rotting or lifting boards.

7. Woodwork – check fencing and all other wooden structures. As with your deck you may need to replace boards, secure loose boards and nails/screws.

8. Sprinkler System – turn your system on to check if the system is still working properly. Check for leaks or broken sprinkler heads.

9. Windows and Doors – check for cracks and other repairs that may be needed. Replace or patch screens that are damaged so they are ready for the seasons bugs that will want to seek refuge in your home.

10. Landscaping – clear your gardens and landscape areas of debris. Trim overgrowth of shrubs and weakened or damaged tree limbs.

Spring Home Maintenance

Interior Maintenance Needs:

1. Windows – open your windows and let the fresh air of spring in! Wipe down the interior of the window sills so your windows work efficiently.

2. Basement and Attic – look for water stains, mold, and leaks. Remove any moisture that can lead to mold issues or serious water damage. It may be necessary to call a professional to see what you must do to prevent further damage. For your attic this may be a roofing professional. For your basement you may need to check your downspouts location, landscape grade slope, water pipes, etc.

3. Home Safety – change batteries in all smoke detectors, check your fire extinguishers to make sure they are still fully charged and ready to use if necessary, check all exhaust fans to be sure they are clean – this includes your bath vents, clothes dryer vent and hose, range/cooktop hood vent.

4. Furnace – replace your filter and clean your system. If you are not comfortable doing this call a professional to check your furnace and be sure it is ready to work for you next fall and winter.

5. Updates and Upgrades – now is the perfect time to take a look at the age of appliances throughout your home. What is their age?  What appliances/utilities are nearing the end of their expected life? As a homeowner it is important to stay on top of this so you can properly budget for the new furnace/air conditioner, refrigerator, washer/dryer, hot water heater, roof, deck etc. that you may need to replace.

Remember, when you became a homeowner you took on the responsibility of home maintenance. As with anything else, the better you take care of your home, the longer it will serve your needs.

Are you looking for a new home or to sell your current home?  At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also have the unique ability, through Drone equipped HD Cameras, to inspect and photograph roof components. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.

Home Inspection - Omaha and Lincoln and surrounding areas

How Long Will It Last – Know when you may need to replace it

How Long Will It Last – Know when you may need to replace it

Corspect Advanced Home Inspection

When preparing to purchase a home or owning a home it is a good idea to understand the life expectancy of the appliances and structural parts that make up your home. Below is a summary of these items based upon a review of the National Association of Home Builders “Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components” which gives a good guesstimate of life-cycle data based on data from product manufacturer and testing labs.

Appliances
The life expectancy of appliances depends on several factors, the most important is the extent of use it receives. Typically speaking, many appliances are often replaced before they are worn out because of a desire to update the style, technology and preference of the appliance itself. Typically speaking appliance life expectancy is:
• Gas Ranges – 15 years
• Dryers and Refrigerators – 13 years
• Trash compactors – 6 years
• Dishwashers – 9 years
• Microwave ovens – 9 years

Cabinetry and Storage
• Kitchen cabinets – 50 years
• Medicine cabinets – 20+ years
• Garage/laundry cabinets -100+ years
• Closet shelves are expected to last for a lifetime.

Concrete and Masonry
Masonry is one of the most durable components of a home.
• Chimneys, fireplaces, and brick veneers can last a lifetime
• Brick walls have an average life expectancy of more than 100 years.

Countertops
• Natural stone countertops are expected to last a lifetime.
• Cultured marble countertops have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

Decks
Because they are subject to a wide range of conditions in different climates, the life expectancy of wooden decks can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

Doors
• Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house exists
• Vinyl and screen doors have a life expectancy of 20 and 40 years, respectively.
• Closet doors are expected to last a lifetime
• French doors have an average life of 30 to 50 years.

Electrical and Lighting
• Copper plated wiring, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime
• Electrical accessories and lighting controls are expected to last 10+ years.

Faucets and Fixtures
• Kitchen sinks made of modified acrylic will last 50 years
• Kitchen faucets will work properly for about 15 years
• Bathroom shower enclosures average 50 years
• Showerheads last a lifetime
• Shower doors will last about 20 years
• Bath cabinets and toilets have an unlimited lifespan, but the components inside the toilet tank do require some maintenance.
• Whirlpool tubs will function properly for 20 to 50 years, depending on use.

Flooring
• All natural wood floorings have a life expectancy of 100 years or more.
• Marble, slate, and granite are also expected to last for about 100 years, but can last less due to a lack of maintenance.
• Vinyl floors last up to 50 years
• Linoleum floors last about 25 years
• Carpet between 8 and 10 years (with appropriate maintenance and normal traffic).

Footings and Foundations
• Poured as well as concrete block footings and foundations last a lifetime, assuming they were properly built.
• Termite proofing of foundations will last about 12 years if the chemical barriers put in place during construction are left intact.
• Waterproofing with bituminous coating lasts 10 years, but if it cracks it is immediately damaged.
• Concrete or cast iron waste pipes are expected to last 100 years or more.

Framing and Other Structural Systems
• Framing and structural systems have extended longevities: poured-concrete systems, timber frame houses and structural insulated panels will all last a lifetime.
• Wall panels and roof and floor trusses will similarly last a lifetime.
• Softwood, hardboard, and plywood last an average of 30 years
• OSB and particleboard are expected to function properly for 60 years.

Garages
• Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years
• Light inserts for 20 years.

Home Technology
• Home technology systems have various life expectancies
• Built-in audio system will last 20 years
• Security systems and heat/smoke detectors have life expectancies of 5 to 10 years
• Wireless home networks and home automation systems are expected to work properly for more than 50 years.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems require proper and regular maintenance in order to work efficiently – most components of such systems only last 15 to 25 years
• Furnaces on average last 15-20 years
• Heat pumps 16 years
• Air conditioning units 10-15 years
• Tankless water heaters last more than 20 years
• Electric or gas water heater lasts about 10 years
• Thermostats usually are replaced before the end of their 35-year lifespan due to technological improvements.

Insulation and Infiltration Barriers
As long as they are not punctured, cut, or burned and are kept dry and away from UV rays, the cellulose, fiberglass, and foam used in insulation materials will last a lifetime. This is true whether the insulation was applied as loose fill, house wrap, or batts/rolls.

Jobsite Equipment
• Ladders are expected to last a lifetime
• Lifts is about 8 to 10 years.

Molding and Millwork
• Custom millwork will last a lifetime
• Stairs—circular and spiral stairs, prebuilt stairs and attic stairs—are expected to last a lifetime.

Paint, Caulks and Adhesives
Both interior and exterior paints can last for 15 years or longer

Panels
• Hardboard panels and softwood panels are expected to last 30 years
• Oriented strand board and particleboard have a life expectancy of 25-30 years
• Wall panels are expected to last a lifetime.

Roofing
The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, proper building and design, material quality, and adequate maintenance.
• Slate, copper, and clay/concrete roofs have the longest life expectancy—over 50 years
• Roofs made of asphalt shingles last for about 20+ years
• Roofs made of fiber cement shingles have a life expectancy of about 25 years
• Roofs made of wood shakes can be expected to last for about 30 years.

Siding and Accessories
Outside materials typically last a lifetime.
• Brick, vinyl, engineered wood, stone (both natural and manufactured), and fiber cement will last as long the house exists
• Exterior wood shutters are expected to last 20 years, depending on weather conditions
• Gutters have a life expectancy of more than 50 years if made of copper and for 20 years if made of aluminum
• Copper downspouts last 100 years or more, while aluminum ones will last 30 years.

Site and Landscaping
• Most landscaping elements have a life expectancy of 15 to 25 years
• Sprinklers and valves last about 20 years
• Underground PVC piping has a lifespan of 25 years
• Polyvinyl fences are designed to last a lifetime
• Asphalt driveways should last between 15 and 20 years.
• Tennis courts can last a lifetime if recoated; most coatings last 12 to 15 years.
• Concrete shell of a swimming pool is expected to last over 25 years, but the interior plaster and tile have life expectancies of about 10 to 25 years.

Walls and Ceilings
Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.

Windows and Skylights
• Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years
• Wooden windows should last upwards of 30 years.

Home Inspection - Omaha and Lincoln and surrounding areas

 

Fall Home Maintenance

Fall Home Maintenance

Once you become a homeowner, you have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the home you purchased. With each season comes a new list of tasks you should strongly consider doing for the home you purchased to maintain it and preserve its life. Below are the fall home maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.

Fall Home Maintenance

Gutters and Downspouts
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean out gutters and downspouts (hire a helper if you are not comfortable on a ladder). Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.

Fall Home Maintenance

Windows and Doors
• Change and summer screens to cool/cold weather storm windows and doors. Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames and install weather stripping or caulking to prevent drafts and lower heating bill costs.

Fall Home Maintenance

Heating and Cooling Systems
• Replace the filter in your furnace. You may want to consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and identify any minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. Also consider cleaning your ducts to insure your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust. If your home has window air conditioners remove them and store them, if you must keep the window air conditioner in the window cover it to prevent drafts and heat loss. Air conditioning systems should be cleaned and checked for damage. Also caulking of the system into the home. Replace all dry and deteriorating caulking.

Fall Home Maintenance

Plumbing
• To prevent your homes pipes from freezing and bursting check all pipes to make sure that they are well insulated. Be sure you also know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valves in case pipes do freeze. Shut off exterior water faucets and remove and store all garden hoses. Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets before freezing temperatures occur. Also, be sure to properly turn off all underground water systems and drain properly.

Fall Home Maintenance

Exterior Repairs

• Walk around the exterior of your home and look for signs of damage to the roof, siding, and foundation. Schedule repair for anything that needs it before winter sets in. Seal gaps where mice or any other “critters” can make entrance to your home.

Fall Home Maintenance

Chimney and Fireplace
• Contact a professional to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. And be sure to add a chimney cap if you don’t already have one — it will stop unwanted surprises from crawling down your chimney!

Attic Ventilation
• Be sure attic insulation doesn’t cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof. Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris. Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any unwanted guests.

Fall Home Maintenance

Landscape and Yardwork
• Now is the time that grass roots grow deeper to prepare for winter. It is also the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Rake up leaves which can inhibit spring growth of your lawn. Prune trees and shrubs. Have all tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house trimmed to prevent damage which can occur from ice and heavy snow storms.

Check Safety Devices
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date of your fire extinguishers and replace any that require it. If you haven’t checked your home for radon, fall is a good time to do so. As the weather gets cooler, windows stay shut more often and radon is more likely to become trapped in your home.

Clean Dryer Vents
• Lint buildup in dryer vents can make your dryer work less efficiently and even cause a fire — cool, dry fall weather increases static electricity, which can ignite lint that has built up, so now is a key time to get that lint out. You can hire a duct cleaning specialist to clean the vents for you, or clean the vent yourself.

Home Inspection - Omaha and Lincoln and surrounding areas

At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we combine knowledge, experience and science to provide you with the highest level of inspection service. Corspect Advanced Home Inspections uses the latest technology to assess every detail of the homes systems. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections we also have the unique ability, through Drone equipped HD Cameras, to inspect and photograph roof components. At Corspect Advanced Home Inspections it is our mission to make the home buying experience rewarding, informative and enjoyable for all. Contact Bob at Corspect Advanced Home Inspections to set up your home inspection.