Spick and span: There are a few areas where you will benefit greatly from early detection, and calling in a professional for help.
Regular maintenance of your home is vital not only to ensure it doesn’t suffer any structural problems, but also to enhance its livability and reduce health risks.
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There are a few areas where you will benefit greatly from early detection, and calling in a professional for help:
- Termites: The best way to avoid termite problems is to have an annual inspection by a licensed inspector. If your house slab is on the ground, if there is insufficient subfloor ventilation and lighting, or you have damp areas under the floor, your place might be a target for termites.
- Leaks: Have you noticed our weather is becoming increasingly volatile? Rain storms especially seem to be harder and heavier, and new leaks are making themselves known. The problem with leaks though is that where you see the leak may not be where the problem starts. If your roof is leaking and you or someone in your family is handy, you might be able to get on the roof to fix loose fixings and seal holes with silicone or bitumen backed tape and heat gun. For leaks in the floor or wall, you’re better off getting a plumber.
- Cracks: According to yourhome.gov.au, cracks and settlement might be cosmetic, or they may be an indication of something more serious. Causes may include soil or clay movement, settlement under poorly prepared footings, variable soil moisture content causing uneven foundation swelling or heave due to drying by tree roots, or poor drainage. Seek professional advice from an engineer before repairing.
- Electricals: If you replace halogen downlights with low energy options such as LED, you can improve your insulation by sealing seal light openings because LEDs emit less heat. A qualified electrician should be used for anything more than changing a lightbulb.
Electricals: Replace halogen downlights with low energy and cooler options such as LED. Your insulation will improve by sealing light openings.
There are also lots of things you can do yourself. For more information on how much of a difference these steps can make, visit yourhome.gov.au:
- Check for air leaks around your windows and doors and work to reduce draughts and heat loss. Repair windows that are jammed or ‘painted closed’ and make them operable to improve cross ventilation. You can get sealing strips, tapes and seals from the hardware shop.
- Install or fix your insect screens so you can open windows at night in summer to allow the heat air to escape.
- Check your refrigerator’s door seals. If your fridge is not energy efficient, think about upgrading to one with a high star rating.
- Install smoke detectors and/or check the batteries.
- Worn carpets are a source of dust mites and allergens. Plus, underneath might be a timber floor or a concrete slab that can be polished to expose thermal mass.
- Paint and repair walls and ceilings with low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints to improve amenity and air quality.
- Clean gutters and trim overhanging branches.
