4 Money Saving Home Maintenance Tips
My husband and I bought our first home three years ago and we’ve definitely had some ups and downs since then when it comes to home repairs. There was that driving rain that made a swimming pool out of our main bedroom, that golf ball sized hail that turned our vinyl siding into Swiss cheese and the furnace fan that wouldn’t turn off.
While two of these events were caused by weather, only one of them was covered by our home insurance policy. The rain leaked in through a rusted-out hole in our roof flashing (metal weatherproofing roof piece) and our insurance didn’t cover the repair costs because it was a maintenance mishap, it wasn't caused by the weather. You can prevent issues like this by taking some simple steps to keep your house in tip top shape:
Keep Your Hot Water Tank Happy
Most hot water tanks have warranties that range between 5 and 10 years. While many live long past their warranty expiry dates, it’s a good idea to check the health of your hot water tank on a yearly basis.
Drain your water tank and clean it once a year: Water carries sediment that settles on the bottom of your tank. Over time, these particles can “gum up the works” and damage your tank. By draining it out and rinsing it, you’ll reduce the damage done to your tank. You can search instructions on how to do this on Google.
De-gunk your Gutters
Your gutters might not look like much but they are your first defence against water damage to your siding and foundation. Your eaves troughs and downspouts are designed to keep roof water-runoff from seeping through into the wood framing and the foundation of your home. It will keep the wood from rotting and your basement from flooding.
At least once a year, get up on a ladder to remove all the garbage that’s accumulated along the gutter channels. Once they’re cleaned, give them a good rinse with a garden hose to finish the job.
You’ll also want to make sure the eaves troughs are firmly affixed to the house. If you discover any loose or leaking sections, replace them with new pieces and you’ll guarantee a long and happy life for your gutters.
House Insurance to the Rescue
The most important asset you’ll need for house peace of mind is home insurance. I know we wouldn’t have been able to afford to repair all the damage to our home after that hail storm. It costs the insurance company $20,000 to replace our roof and vinyl siding after that event.
When you're getting a home insurance quote, make sure you ask questions and review all the optional coverage choices. It will ensure you’re covered for all emergencies (that can be covered by insurance).
Check your Roof Regularly
It’s easy to forget about your roof. It just sits there day in and day out, keeping the rain off your head. You don’t want to do that, check your roof yearly for discoloured, damaged or grave-less looking shingles as these will need to be replaced. Either replace them yourself or get a professional in to make the repairs for you.