Showing posts with label home maintenance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home maintenance. Show all posts

Senior Home Repair Fair at the Senior Activity Center September 17, 2024

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Senior Home Repair Fair
September 17, 2024 1:15 - 3pm

Join representatives from Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and Sound Generations to learn how to connect to low-cost and no-cost home repair resources in Shoreline.

These programs are set up to support low-to moderate-income homeowners in staying in their homes. 

Please bring your questions and we’ll work together to match you with the best program for your needs. 

We look forward to meeting you!


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Top 10 home maintenance tips to do before summer ends

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Photo courtesy Irons Brothers Construction
By Joseph Irons, Irons Brothers Construction

Summer is for warm weather, relaxing vacations, and spending time with friends and family. 

Before the summer season ends, there are some routine maintenance steps you can take to ensure your home looks good and functions optimally. 

The best time to pay attention to your home needs is now. Procrastinating on home maintenance could result in future costly repairs. 

Here are the top common issues to check before the summer season ends.

Exterior Maintenance
  1. Clean your gutters. Use a sturdy ladder to inspect your gutters safely. Remove any leaves or debris.
  2. Fix cracks in your driveway or walkway. Small cracks can quickly worsen if left untreated as water collects and temperatures fluctuate.
  3. Inspect your home’s siding. Look for anything loose or rotting. Then, consider power washing to remove dust, bird droppings, dirt, abandoned wasp nests, or tree sap. You may want to repair or repaint the siding to protect it from harsh weather or make it look nicer.
  4. Prevent bugs from entering your home. Use sprays or re-caulk doors and windows if necessary. A minor pest problem could become a big one quickly.
  5. Wash your windows (both inside and outside). Look for any leaks and re-caulk as needed. Fixing any gaps will help with energy efficiency, and cleaning the windows will allow more natural light to enter your home. Your window screens may need to be replaced, too.

Interior Maintenance
  1. Check safety devices. Evaluations include but are not limited to, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and any child safety devices.
  2. Clean your air conditioner. If you use an in-window unit, clear out debris. If you use an HVAC system, call the pros to keep up with maintenance.
  3. Plan for winter weather. Winter storms can be unforgiving. Power can go out for extended periods. Stay prepared with flashlights, clean drinking water, and non-perishable foods on hand. Consider using surge-protector power strips for electronics, too.
  4. Survey your basement. A variety of problems can go unnoticed in the basement. Call a contractor if you find any cracks in the foundation or leaks in the plumbing.
  5. Unclog your dryer vent. Clogged vents can pose problems at any point in the year, especially in the summer. Large amounts of dust buildup in the ducts can cause fires.

For more information on home maintenance and other tips on hiring a professional contractor sign up for Irons Brothers Construction’s Informed Homeowner Newsletter here: Newsletter - Irons Brothers Construction (ironsbc.com


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Home Maintenance Tips

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Routine home maintenance will help you enjoy your home for years to come
Photo courtesy Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

By Joseph Irons, President Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

Making your house a home is just as important as maintaining that home. 

Routine home maintenance will help you enjoy your home for years to come. Maintaining your home not only helps ensure your home is working at an optimal level, but helps to identify or fix problems before they become a larger issue. 

To keep your home comfortable and enjoyable, consider adding these maintenance items to your annual list of home activities.

Schedule a Mechanical/HVAC Tune-up 

Annual checkups can extend the life of your heating & cooling units, regardless of their age. Typically, a qualified professional will thoroughly clean your unit and identify if any leaks are present. Mechanical experts recommend changing your air filter every 60 or 90 days and at least an annual tune-up. Other factors — such as your home size, pets or allergies — can alter how often your filters should be replaced. Changing out your air filter will reduce the wear and tear on your unit and improve the airflow in your home.

Check Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. NFPA recommends testing all smoke alarms in your home at least once a month. Simply press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions if available. NFPA also recommends a visual inspection of the detector for damage. The detector should not be dirty or obstructed.

Routine maintenance will help to identify small problems before they become big.
Photo courtesy Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

Recaulk Your Windows
 

If you have a drafty window or if you can see daylight around a window frame, then you may have an air leak. Caulk — a flexible material used to seal air leaks — can be found at any hardware store. There is caulk for exterior windows, which can withstand different types of weather, and interior caulk, which shouldn’t emit any toxic fumes. According to energy.gov, the best time to apply caulk is during dry weather when the outdoor temperature is above 45 degrees and low humidity will prevent cracks from swelling with moisture.

Clean Your Gutters

Making sure water flows away from your home during a storm is critical. Your gutters protect your home’s foundation, roof and walls by controlling the flow of rainwater from your roofline. Neglecting your gutters can lead to mold or water damage to the exterior or interior of your home. Although it may seem like a hassle, it is important to keep your gutters clutter-free. Also, make sure to read all warning labels and follow manufacturer instructions if you are using a ladder to clean your gutters.

Touch Up Exterior Paint 

Eventually, the exterior of your home will endure wear and tear because of the elements. Adding a fresh coat of paint where needed not only enhances your home’s curb appeal, it functions as an extra layer of protection to your home. A simple visual inspection around the exterior of your home once a year will help you identify problem areas. It is important to address any issues, such as cracking or peeling paint, before it gets worse.

Home maintenance tips courtesy of Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. For more information on their firm visit www.ironsbc.com


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