How You Can Keep your Home Safe from Damage

April 27, 2017 - by Tony Earnshaw

Owning a home can be a costly business, and it’s not just the mortgage and the utility bills which eat up your cash. General repairs, too, can prove expensive, particularly if you ignore a problem and allow it to get worse before addressing it.

Regular maintenance and an eye for emerging issues are what will save you from those large bills. Sure, they may cost a little, but the old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ still makes sense today.

There are several areas you should focus on when looking at ways to save your home from damage. Here are just a few property maintenance tips.

Outside

One of the most important parts of your home, the roof is also one of the most neglected. Check the roof for damage at least once every six months, and especially after a storm or windy day.

Look for broken or missing tiles – you can do this from the ground using binoculars, but it’s better to get up there if you can, or ask a professional to check for you. Alternatively, go up into the attic and look for any signs of daylight showing through.

While you’re looking up, check gutters and downpipes for damage and blockages. Keeping gutters clear of debris is an essential maintenance job which will help avoid water damage.

Signs of damp either inside or outside (for instance, flaking, peeling wallpaper or paint, or areas of mould) should be checked out, and steps taken at once to identify the source.

And while you’re outside, ensure trees and other large plants are maintained to stop them becoming a problem in high winds, and check fences and sheds are strong enough to stay standing.

Inside

Appliances, especially ones which use water, should be inspected for damage to prevent leaks, and electric sockets checked for scorch marks which could indicate a dangerous fault.

Don’t ignore doors and windows – check them for damage to prevent any rain getting in, and also to stop draughts. UK Property Preservation can help with any and all property preservation tasks, get in touch with us today to find out more.