Home Repair Tips

January Home Repair Tips

January provides an opportunity to regroup and reorganize. This is a great time to plan your home repair projects and renovations for the New Year.

• Make a list of broken electrical face plates, missing pulls or knobs, locks that need lubrication, and spots that need caulking around sinks and tubs.
• Wander the house and make a list of home repairs. Tighten screws on drawers, doors, and furniture.

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February Home Repair Tips

February makes our hearts grow fonder, even thought it is not yet Spring. Pre-planning your home repair projects for the next year will save you time, frustration and money.

• Check and clean grout between tiles in your kitchen and bath. Regrout if necessary. Add sealer to finish.
• Check flooring & carpet. If it needs repair or replacement, take advantage of sales now.
• For major home repair projects, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors and get estimates now.
• Make a list of all major indoor projects that need to be done. Prioritize them so you can get the most urgent out of the way.

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March Home Repair Tips

Winter is winding down and spring is just around the corner. As the weather improves, use the pretty days as an opportunity to check off a few items on your home repair “to do” list.

• Build arbors and trellises before planting roses, vines and gourds.
• Check all decks, patios, porch stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.
• Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure.
• Check chimneys for loose, deteriorated, or missing mortar.
• Check foundation and attic vent screens for damage.
• Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.
• Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls.
• Clean out your gutters before the spring rains begin. Check gutters, downspouts, and roof for leaks.
• Schedule roofing repair if needed.
• Trim bushes and trees hitting your roof or touching your house. Clean up your yard.

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April Home Repair Tips

Now is the time to start working on projects that you’ve postponed during the winter. As the days get longer, so does your opportunity to get more accomplished.

• Check all tile joints for adequate grout.
• Check antenna supports for possible leak source.
• Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilet base.
• Check fascia and soffits for deterioration and damage.
• Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
• Check for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles.
• Check for open seams, blisters, or bald areas on flat roofs.
• Check smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. Replace batteries if necessary (when you turn your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time).
• Check sprinkler systems.

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More Home Repair Tips

May Home Repair Tips

The May flowers are starting to bloom. This is a great time to kick off your “spring cleaning,” inside and out.

• Check all windows and hardware.
• Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
• Check siding for water damage. Schedule repair.
• Check water heater for leaks and corrosion.
• Clean around AC compressor. Service AC unit.
• Clean fireplace or stove. Call to schedule chimney cleaning.
• Clear out debris from under decks or porches.
• Have well water checked for safety.
• If planning to paint exterior, start prep now. Call Rainy Day Services to schedule job.
• Remove window screens. Inspect for damage, clean, repair.
• Wash windows, and then put in screens.

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June Home Repair Tips

Summertime and the days are bright and sunny. Even though the temperatures are climbing, you can still check a few items off of your maintenance checklist.

• Check all recreational equipment and make sure it’s in good repair, especially swimming pools.
• Check exterior railings and stairs. Repair if they are loose or showing signs of wear.
• Check gutters.
• Check hoses on washer, refrigerator, and dishwasher. If they show signs of deterioration, replace them.
• Clean and seal decks.
• Clothes dryer vents should be checked at least once a year to make sure they are clear of any lint buildup that could cause a fire.
• If you have wood decks, check them for signs of wear or deterioration. Repair or replace as needed. If you have nails popping up, consider replacing them with galvanized screws instead.
• Paint interior or exterior if needed.
• Service furnace or heating system.

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July Home Repair Tips

July always starts out with a bang during the 4th of July weekend. Pour some lemonade and make your “to do” list part of a family project (in the shade of course)!

• Check fences. Repair or replace damaged portions.
• Check with local government regarding waste disposal of old paint, solvents, and other toxic substances you might have. Use it up if you can; otherwise dispose responsibly. NEVER pour toxic substances down the drain or throw them into the landfill.
• Check your project list. If you’re postponing projects, either hire someone to come in and get them done, or do them yourself. Chances are they’ll just get worse over time. Many projects, while not inexpensive, are worth doing just for the peace of mind.
• Paint projects? With windows open, July is a great month to paint.
• Patch driveway or fill potholes with gravel.

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August Home Repair Tips

The kids are getting ready for school and catching that last chance for a summer break. Fall is right around the corner and so are some of those chores that you have been putting off for summer fun.

• Prep the kids for school, check back next month for Fall updates!

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September Home Repair Tips

Fall has arrived, even though the temperatures may not show it. This is the perfect time to make sure that your home is ready for the winter.

• Change the furnace filter.
• Check chimneys for loose, deteriorated, or missing mortar.
• Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls.
• Drain hot water heater. Flush and refill.
• If you haven’t already, check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.

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October Home Repair Tips

Crisp fall evenings and big full moons signal Indian Summer. The days are getting shorter, and hopefully so is your home repair checklist.

• Check caulking for deterioration of all openings and joints between wood and masonry.
• Check for loose or missing glazing putty.
• Check smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. Replace batteries if necessary (when you turn your clocks back).
• Check weather stripping.
• Clean, repair, and store patio furniture.
• Clear debris from perimeter of house and outbuildings. Trim any trees or shrubs that touch the house.
• Take window screens out. Wash, repair or replace now.
• Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
• Wash windows if you install storm windows.

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November Home Repair Tips

The holiday season is just around the next bend. It is a great time to be thankful for our homes and businesses. Since the days are getting cooler, it is perfect for checking out some of the equipment that you have depended on all summer. Don’t forget to check on those systems that you will need when the temperatures dip.

• Add insulation. If your home needs more, start at the top and work down to get the most for your money. Most warm air leaves through the roof; concentrate your insulation there, adding extra to the walls and under floors as time and money permit.
• At the end of the month, have automatic irrigation system serviced. Check sprinkler system and fix leaks, then drain and turn off lawn sprinkler system.
• Before it gets cold, have an automatic irrigation system installed. (Scheduling is easier with less competition than in the spring and summer.)
• Check heating system and space heaters.
• Clean gutters, strainers, and downspouts.  Make sure downspouts divert water away from foundation walls.
• Clean spray equipment before storing for season.
• Put Christmas lights up after Thanksgiving.
• Store hoses.

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December Home Repair Tips

Winter has finally made it and it is time to sit back and enjoy the holidays. This can be a hectic month, but take a few minutes to do a check around your house. You do want the season to be merry.

• Check basement and crawl space for moisture of leakage after wet weather.
• Check for any evidence of water penetration in attic and ceilings after wet weather.
• Check for broken glass and damaged or missing screens.
• Check window and door insulation and weather-stripping.
• Make sure any electrical cords or lights that you string outside are designed for that use.

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