Five Home Maintenance Projects to Tackle this Fall
Special to The Truth
Fall is the perfect time
to complete those pesky home maintenance projects left on
your to do list. If you’ve been putting off these chores,
you’re not alone, but it could cost you. In fact, a national
survey from Erie Insurance shows many Americans are putting
themselves and their homes at financial risk by delaying
important home maintenance tasks.
Make sure you’re protected
by focusing on these five areas:
• The Roof. Twenty-three
percent of homeowners admit they never inspect their roof or
have it inspected unless there is a problem, according to
the Erie Insurance survey. Unfortunately, replacing a roof
is also one of the biggest expenses a homeowner may have if
not maintained properly. Nationally, the average homeowner
spends about $6,600 to install a new roof, but prices can
soar upwards of $20,000.
Don’t be stuck with a
hefty roof repair bill. Have it inspected to see if any
shingles are damaged and need to be replaced. The fall
season is the optimal time to do so, since roofing is best
installed when temperatures are cooler. Plus, you’ll catch
any problems before winter weather kicks in.
• The Gutters. Make sure
downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear of
debris. Clogged gutters can lead to major issues like uneven
floors, cracks in walls and interior water damage. This type
of claim, also known as seepage, is a maintenance issue and
often not covered under your home insurance policy. To
prevent any major issues, clean gutters at least twice a
year in fall and spring.
• The Dryer Exhaust Duct.
Does it take you two to three cycles to dry a load of
laundry? If so, you may need to clean your dryer vent. One
in five (21 percent) admit they never clean their clothes
dryer ducts, unless they have a problem. But lint build-up
can catch fire easily. Over 15,000 dryer fires occurred
nationwide from 2010-2014, with the majority being ignited
by dust, fiber and lint, according to the National Fire
Protection Association. Avoid this disaster with a thorough
cleaning at least once a year.
• The Fireplace Chimney.
Erie Insurance found nearly half (46 percent) of people who
own a home with a fireplace never have their chimneys
cleaned. However, uncleaned chimneys are a leading cause of
structure fires, reports the National Fire Protection
Association. So, get the chimney cleaned before the cold
weather hits and you find yourself tossing logs in the
hearth to keep the house toasty, and then have it cleaned
annually.
• The Sump Pump and Pit.
Sump pumps remove excess water from homes that would
otherwise cause property damage. It’s important to clean a
sump pump and its pit annually to keep basements dry and
help prevent mold growth and water damage. Do this
maintenance project in fall to help protect against heavy
rainfalls and accumulated melting snow and ice of winter.
For more information on
how you can protect your home through the seasons, visit
www.ErieInsurance.com.
Now that you have your
checklist, it’s time to roll up your sleeves while it’s
still nice outside. Whether you’re a DIYer or prefer hiring
a professional, crossing these projects off your to-do list
will help ensure you’re safe and secure before temperatures
drop.
Courtesy StatePoint
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