If you are a first time homeowner or are perhaps living alone for the first time, you might not be aware of some of the things that are needed to ensure that your home is protected from the elements and to keep it in a good state of repair. Whilst wear and tear is inevitable, there are things you can do to make sure your home is properly looked after and maintained. Here are 4 of them.
Have Your Boiler Serviced
If you have gas central heating, then your boiler will provide your home with heating and hot water when you need it. We all like our homes to feel warm and cosy but, if you don’t ensure that your boiler is maintained, it could stop working and literally leave you out in the cold. To ensure it’s running at its optimum levels, you should have your boiler serviced annually by a qualified gas safe engineer. They will run thorough tests and, assuming there are no serious issues, supply you with a certificate stating that it’s in good working order and is compliant with current regulations. If the test results don’t meet the quality standards, you’ll have to look for a boiler upgrade or replacement.
Ensure Your Radiators Are Working Efficiently
It’s important to check your radiators periodically to make sure that there is no excess air in them. This stops them from filling with water and thus stops them from heating fully. If the top of any of your radiators are cold, bleed them. This is a very simple job that involves turning a valve using a radiator key until a flow of water starts. This will get rid of any excess air and ensure full heat output. During winter months, don’t leave your heating off for long periods. Frozen pipes can cause pressure built up inside the pipe, which can lead to them bursting – something you would definitely want to prevent.
Maintain Your Roof
Your roof protects your property from the elements and so it must be looked after. If your flashing needs replaced or tiles are loose or missing, it could result in damage to your roof or allow water to penetrate to other areas of your home. Having your roof checked once or twice a year by a roofing contractor will ensure that any issues are fixed, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected.
Remedy Issues as Soon as Possible
Maybe you have noticed a pipe intermittently dripping under your kitchen sink, or perhaps the sealant or grout in your bathroom has had its day and needs replaced. Regardless of the issue, don’t leave these things unattended – have them remedied as soon as possible. Depending on the issue, it may lead to bigger problems down the line. Get things fixed straight away and you could save yourself time, money, and a whole load of unnecessary stress.