Home Maintenance Tips for Summer - Protect your home - and your investment!
If you're like most Canadians, your home is probably your most important
investment. A regular schedule of maintenance and repairs can help you
protect that investment – and keep your family healthy, safe and sound – for
years to come.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a checklist of simple
inspections and repairs that can help you put a stop to the most common and
costly problems before they occur, often in as little as a few minutes a
week, including:
- Check and clean your range hood filters on a monthly basis.
- Use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep the relative humidity level in your
basement at or below 60 per cent.
- Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping, and take corrective
action if needed.
- Refill the basement floor drain if the trap doesn't have enough water in it.
- Run water briefly in fixtures that aren't used frequently, such as the
laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower.
- Deep clean carpets and rugs, and vacuum the bathroom fan grille.
- Unplug the dryer and disconnect the duct connected to your clothes dryer and
vacuum lint from the duct, the areas surrounding the dryer and the vent hood
outside.
- Check all windows, door hinges and garage door opener hardware for smooth
operation, and lubricate doors and hinges as required.
- Check condition of paint and caulked joints.
- Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter the
house, and make sure no water is leaking into your home along the electrical
conduit
- Check the exterior siding and clean, replace or refinish it as needed
- Seal off any holes in the exterior cladding that could become entry points
for rain or pests – except for the vent holes located in brick walls.
- Check your roof for sagging or damaged shingles, and examine all roof
flashings at chimney and plumbing penetrations for signs of cracks or leaks.
- Repair the driveway and walkways if needed, and repair any damaged steps,
guardrails or handrails that could present a safety problem.
For more information or a free copy of the "About Your House" fact sheet Home
Maintenance Schedule and other fact sheets on owning, maintaining or
renovating your home, visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca or ask CMHC at
1-800-668-2642. For over 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective,
reliable housing expertise.
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For story ideas or to access CMHC experts or expertise, contact CMHC Media
Relations - National Office at: (613) 748-4632 or by e-mail:
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
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CMHC 7/3/2008 |
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