7 New Year’s Resolutions to Properly Maintain Your Property

Procrastinating when it comes to property maintenance starts a downward spiral. Avoid letting the little problems many of us tend to overlook grow to become big issues with unwelcome expenses. Making and keeping these New Year’s resolutions isn’t difficult at all and will be so very worthwhile for your home or business property as you head into 2017.

  1. Roof: inspect the attic for water stains, check outside for loose or missing singles, promptly remove leaves or other debris, clean away mould and mildew promptly.
  2. Exterior walls and windows: look for cracked, flaking or chalky areas; don’t delay repainting or caulking.
  3. Heating systems: for gas or oil systems inspect flames -- tight ovals and solid blue are correct, flickering and tinges of yellow are not. A technician can adjust fuel/air mix.
  4. Ventilation: when humid indoor air is cooled quickly it forms water droplets on windows, walls, or other surfaces. Over time, peeling wallpaper, mould and mildew can form, and even structural damage to wood can occur. Good ventilation helps to regulate temperature and control moisture levels.
  5. Plumbing: to prolong pipe life, clean clogs with ½ cup of salt and boiling water, then flush with hot water; clean faucet aerators regularly; insulate pipes exposed to cold exterior walls or floors.
  6. Fire Safety: avoid clutter around fireplaces and electrical baseboard or space heaters. Have and know how to use a fire extinguisher; always have working smoke detectors.  
  7. Appliances: when any appliance doesn’t work properly  -- stove, washer, refrigerator, garbage disposal -- fix it, replace it, or stop using it. Faulty appliances are a leading cause of fires, as well as a real annoyance to everyone who depends on their modern convenience.