Home Maintenance 101: The Top 3 Areas You Can't Afford To Overlook
As a homeowner, keeping your house in good condition is essential to maintain its value and ensure that it's a safe and comfortable place to live. Unfortunately, with all the different systems and structures in a home, it can be easy to overlook some important areas of maintenance. In this article, we'll cover the top 3 areas that you can't afford to overlook.
Home Maintenance 101: The Top 3 Areas You Can't Afford To Overlook
1. Your Floors
Your floors are one of the most heavily used areas of your home, so it's important to keep them in good condition to avoid safety hazards and costly repairs down the line. Older flooring, or cheap flooring alternatives, can crack, bubble or buckle, causing trips, slips, or falls. It can also quickly lose its aesthetic over time, affecting the overall look of your home's interior. According to an article by Bob Vila, "In the long run, cheap flooring options may actually cost you more, as they may need to be replaced more frequently and may not hold up as well over time."
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your floors and keep them looking their best. For example, hardwood floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface. We also recommend running a Swiffer Wet Jet over linoleum or tiled surfaces to help keep floors clean.
To avoid sun spots and fading, add area rugs, throw rugs and runners to sunnier areas of your home.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your floors and keep them looking their best. For example, hardwood floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface. We also recommend running a Swiffer Wet Jet over linoleum or tiled surfaces to help keep floors clean.
To avoid sun spots and fading, add area rugs, throw rugs and runners to sunnier areas of your home.
2. Your Pipes
Your home's plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, fittings and fixtures that require regular maintenance to prevent leaks, clogs, and other issues. A leaky or burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home and result in expensive repairs, so it's important to keep an eye out for signs of trouble, such as low water pressure, unusual smells, or water stains on ceilings or walls.
If you suspect that your plumbing system has a leak or damage, it's important to take action right away. First, check your water bill for any unexplained increases, as this can be a sign of a leak, be it from a pipe, faucet or an outdoor spigot. Next, inspect your pipes and faucets for visible signs of damage or corrosion. You can also use a water meter to check for leaks by turning off all water sources and seeing if the meter still moves. If you notice any issues, it's best to call a professional plumber to fix the problem before it gets worse.
In addition to caring for your pipes, you should have your water heater flushed and inspected annually to remove sediment buildup and ensure that it's functioning properly (a sure sign of a dysfunctional water heater is erratic water temperature and cloudy or smelly water).
If you suspect that your plumbing system has a leak or damage, it's important to take action right away. First, check your water bill for any unexplained increases, as this can be a sign of a leak, be it from a pipe, faucet or an outdoor spigot. Next, inspect your pipes and faucets for visible signs of damage or corrosion. You can also use a water meter to check for leaks by turning off all water sources and seeing if the meter still moves. If you notice any issues, it's best to call a professional plumber to fix the problem before it gets worse.
In addition to caring for your pipes, you should have your water heater flushed and inspected annually to remove sediment buildup and ensure that it's functioning properly (a sure sign of a dysfunctional water heater is erratic water temperature and cloudy or smelly water).
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3. Stonework
If your home features stonework, such as a fireplace or exterior walls, it's important to maintain it properly to prevent damage and ensure its longevity. According to an article by The Spruce, "Cracks and other damage to stone can eventually allow water to seep in, which can cause even more damage to the stone or lead to mold and mildew problems."
Regular cleaning and sealing can help protect your stonework from moisture and other environmental factors. It's also important to address any cracks or other damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. A professional stonemason can help identify the cause of the damage and recommend the best course of action for repair.
If you have granite or marble countertops in your kitchen, it is essential to clean and protect them regularly. Cleaning granite or marble countertops is relatively easy. All you need is a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can scratch the surface of the countertops.
To protect your granite or marble countertops, it is essential to seal them regularly. This will prevent spills from penetrating the surface and causing stains. Sealing the countertops is a simple process that can be done by a professional, like Orlando Stone World. They will apply a sealant to the surface of the countertops, which will protect them from spills and stains.
Regular cleaning and sealing can help protect your stonework from moisture and other environmental factors. It's also important to address any cracks or other damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. A professional stonemason can help identify the cause of the damage and recommend the best course of action for repair.
If you have granite or marble countertops in your kitchen, it is essential to clean and protect them regularly. Cleaning granite or marble countertops is relatively easy. All you need is a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can scratch the surface of the countertops.
To protect your granite or marble countertops, it is essential to seal them regularly. This will prevent spills from penetrating the surface and causing stains. Sealing the countertops is a simple process that can be done by a professional, like Orlando Stone World. They will apply a sealant to the surface of the countertops, which will protect them from spills and stains.
Granite & Marble Care FAQs
Q: How often should I seal my granite or marble countertops?
A: It is recommended to seal granite or marble countertops every six months to one year.
Q: Can I cut directly on my granite or marble countertops?
A: No, it is not recommended to cut directly on granite or marble countertops as it can scratch the surface. Always use a cutting board.
Q: Can I place hot pans on my granite or marble countertops?
A: Yes, granite and marble are heat-resistant, and you can place hot pans on them. However, it is still recommended to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface.
Q: How do I remove stains from my granite or marble countertops?
A: To remove stains from granite or marble countertops, mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it off.
Q: Can I use vinegar to clean my granite or marble countertops?
A: No, it is not recommended to use vinegar to clean granite or marble countertops as it can damage the surface.
A: It is recommended to seal granite or marble countertops every six months to one year.
Q: Can I cut directly on my granite or marble countertops?
A: No, it is not recommended to cut directly on granite or marble countertops as it can scratch the surface. Always use a cutting board.
Q: Can I place hot pans on my granite or marble countertops?
A: Yes, granite and marble are heat-resistant, and you can place hot pans on them. However, it is still recommended to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface.
Q: How do I remove stains from my granite or marble countertops?
A: To remove stains from granite or marble countertops, mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it off.
Q: Can I use vinegar to clean my granite or marble countertops?
A: No, it is not recommended to use vinegar to clean granite or marble countertops as it can damage the surface.
Maintaining your home's floors, pipes, and stonework is crucial to its overall health and longevity. By staying on top of regular maintenance, you can avoid costly issues and repairs and ensure that your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live.
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