10 Maintenance Issues Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Every home has its own maintenance challenges depending on a myriad of factors such as its age, location and inhabitants. For example, a California homeowner might make it a safety maintenance priority to strap down furniture to prevent tipping during an earthquake, where a coastal homeowner pays particular attention to preventing the salty mist from eating at its wooden deck.

Regardless of your home's location and age, regular home maintenance is integral to safety and preserving its value. And when issues are found, addressing them quickly can save you additional repair costs and further damage. Here is a list of maintenance issues that should never be ignored and, therefore, should be addressed as soon as you are aware of them:

Replace roof shingles or tiles that are missing or damaged. Missing roof tiles or shingles can indicate the possibility of leaks, so if you have missing shingles or tiles, inspect your attic for water stains or wet insulation. Make sure gutters are clear and water drains off your roof. If not, water can pool on your roof and under shingles and cause water damage to your roof and walls. Periodically inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and tiles.

Unblock and replace damaged gutters. Not only do functional gutters direct water off the roof, they take water away from your home's walls and foundation. Clogged or bent gutters can carry water into your home or direct water on to your home's foundation. A foundation that is constantly wet from pouring gutter water or misdirected lawn sprinklers can become damaged over time. Periodically inspect your gutters for clogs and damage.

Inspect your air conditioner and heating systems before seasonal use. Most homeowners alternate between long periods of using the heating system and using the air conditioning. Pay particular attention to the units when starting them for the first time after being dormant. Before starting your air conditioner, make sure it is clean (remove debris and leaves from outside units) and change any filters suggested by the manufacturer. When you turn on your heater for the first time, it is normal to smell burning dust and residue. This should be temporary. However, if it persists, or if you notice the unit is not delivering warm air through your vents after a few minutes, call a technician immediately.

Make sure your clothes dryer is venting properly. Do your clothes sit damp in your gas or electric dryer at the end of the cycle? If so, your dryer vent may be clogged and should be checked immediately. If not, the moisture from the dryer lurking in your home can be a catalyst for mold growth. Also, when vents are blocked, lint build-up around the dryer grows and this is a potential fire hazard. Make sure to clean and vacuum behind your dryer regularly. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas valve when doing maintenance on or around your dryer.

Replace loose or frayed electrical wires. If you notice loose or frayed electrical wires in outlets or you have switches that intermittently turn on and off appliances, call an electrician to fix the problems. Also, replace extension and appliance cords showing excessive wear and tear.

Turn off your home's inbound water line as soon as you discover a leak. Water damage can become extensive very quickly. If the leak is in your faucet, a washer replacement or tightening can sometimes solve the problem. If it's in your walls or under your floors, shut off the water and call a plumber immediately. Also, if you have children or guests who stay at home, make sure they know how to shut off the water in case of a leak or an overflowing toilet.

Know your susceptibility to disaster in your location and prepare your home accordingly. If you're in an earthquake region, strap down furniture and know how to shut off your gas in case of emergency. If you're in a fire region, know your county codes for tree and brush clearance around your home. Experts recommend having enough food and water for three days. Contact your local law enforcement agency for more information about disasters and where local shelters will be established.

Feel a draft? Stop cold air coming in to stop money going out. Over time, insulation around doors and windows wear from use and cold weather, becoming less effective. If you feel a draft or are able to peek outside between the door and frame, replace the insulation. Check windows for drafts, as well.

Replace fire and smoke alarm batteries twice a year. Don't just stop there; test the alarms to make sure they work. After doing this maintenance, make sure all members of the household understand an escape plan if a fire or other emergency occurs. It's also a good time to test your fire extinguishers.

Replace your hot water heater when you find telltale signs of old age. Wet spots on the floor near your water heater or rust on your tank are indicators the tank might need replacing. Other signs of problems include water that smells like rotten eggs, or a sound like marbles rolling around when the heater is doing its job. If you are not ready to replace the tank, buy a watchdog water alarm from a hardware store. These alarms are inexpensive and will detect water leaks early.

Don't wait for maintenance issues to become safety hazards or expensive problems. Perform a regular inspection of your home and your due diligence will keep your house a happy, safe and less expensive place to live.

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