Yahoo Finance Property: How to give your home a summer MOT
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your home running smoothly and help to avoid major repairs — and hefty bills — further down the line.
It can be a good idea to tackle these tasks now, before colder weather sets in.
1. Inspect the roof
Missing, cracked and broken tiles can result in leaks. Once rainwater starts getting in, over a period of time it can rot the roof’s timbers and cause structural issues.
Make sure the flashing — which diverts water into the gutters — is property secured too.
"Quickly conduct an external inspection of the condition of your roof by utilising the camera on your phone to zoom in on the tiles," advises Chris Ross, director of Direct Building Products.
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"Also, enter the loft and look for any light getting in through gaps or openings in the damaged tiles, as well as problems like damp or discolouration on walls from water damage, or mould or mildew in unusual places. The easiest way to tell where water is entering from your roof is to carry out a loft inspection during heavy rain."
A detailed inspection should be carried out by a roofer, who can address any issues.
2. Check the gutters
Gutters are the unsung heroes of our homes but we rarely give them a second thought until we spot water dripping down the side of the house or stains on the exterior paintwork. Nip potential problems in the bud by standing on a ladder and removing leaves, moss and other debris, repairing holes and cracks, and realigning guttering if necessary.
"The biggest issue with gutters being blocked is that when the water can’t drain properly, your home may suffer structural damage," says Lee Hatwell, director of Munday + Cramer.
"Water damage can affect the exterior and the interior, including walls, windows and doors. In extreme cases, this could even affect your foundations or cause flooding around your property and/or the basement."
3. Service the boiler
Having the boiler serviced reduces the risk of it failing to fire up when you need it or breaking down in the depths of winter.
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"Regular servicing can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the system. The best time to do this is usually in the summer when heating engineers are less busy," says Darran Smith, technical manager of Alpha.
"Be sure to use a fully certified engineer to service your boiler, for which you can expect to pay around £80," adds Adam Day, head of eXp UK. "Far cheaper than fixing it when it goes bust or having to replace it altogether."
4. Repair the windows
Faulty seals are almost certainly to blame If you find water inside your windows when it’s raining or spot staining afterwards.
Repair small gaps on single-glazed windows by removing damaged sealant and applying moisture-proof sealant, but leave larger areas and double glazing to the pros.
Rain, wind and wintry temperatures take their toll on wooden frames and sills, so examine them carefully before cleaning, filling cracks or holes and treating them to a coat of paint or varnish.
Rotten wood is soft and spongy and must be dealt with ASAP as it will eventually weaken the entire window.
Limited damage can be fixed by a competent DIY-er but call in a professional if it’s more widespread.
5. Sweep the chimney
If you have a working fireplace or stove, get the chimney and flue swept by a professional before the start of the heating season.
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As well as clearing debris such as tar and soot, this also dislodges nests and other blockages, ensuring an efficient burn and cutting the chances of chimney fires.
"It’s also a good time to check for any cracks or breaks inside the stove, which should be repaired. Ensure you have a good supply of firewood and only use dried natural logs," advises Phil Wood, UK country manager at Contura.
6. Repaint the front door
Not just a cosmetic improvement, giving the front door a lick of paint also provides additional protection against the elements.
This is a job for a dry, warm — but not too hot — day and for the best results, don’t skimp on the prep work. Unscrew all the door furniture, scrape away flaky paint, sand down wood and fill holes or cracks. Then wash with a sugar soap solution and once dry, mask off glass panels, then prime and paint.
7. Fix fences and gates
Prolong the life of fences by cleaning with a pressure washer to shift dirt and moss, and dig out tree roots or prune branches that are causing it to lean.
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Repair damaged areas and replace panels or posts if needed, and going in the direction of the grain, paint or stain with a suitable woodcare product.
Deal with rust on iron fences, gates or hinges by scraping off with a wire brush, cleaning, priming and applying exterior metal paint.
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