As a property owner in Long Island, you know how important it is to safeguard your property during hot summers and chilly cold winters. We all know that these two weather seasons can cause havoc to your property, especially if you don’t take proper precautions.
For instance, the hot weather can endanger the foundation of your home due to the drying nature of heat. The roof is also vulnerable to heat damage. Your plumbing system can also be affected by too much heat, which can result in the pipes leaking or bursting.
And during winter, the melting snow can leak into the basement, the snow can damage the roof, the ice dams can also weigh on the gutters, and so many other major issues. This means that as a property owner, you need to take extra measures to help you ensure that your property is safeguarded against harsh weather conditions.
In this article, we are going to look at both ways you can take care of your property during the summer and winter seasons. Keep on reading this article to explore them.
How to take Care of your Property in Summer
As mentioned above, summer weather can cause havoc to your property, this s why you need to get your property prepared for the season. Here are some property maintenance tips for summer that you can practice
1. Check your Roof for Damage
Summer time is the perfect time to remove gatherings on flat roofs, including clumps of leaves, stones $ pebbles, moss, etc. The roof is an essential part of a home. Unfortunately, it is one of the most neglected parts. Of course, as a homeowner, you wouldn’t want your roof to reach a stage where it can no longer perform its role efficiently.
Blockages in the gutter can make water to gather and make its way back into the house. That’s why it is important to keep your gutter clear. You can clear it by removing debris, leaves, and twigs. This should be done twice a year, and summer is the best time. Additionally, look for tiles that appear loose, crooked, or discolored.
Heat can dry out the caulk around flashing and weaken the structure of the roof. You can prevent this by installing vapor barriers to reduce moisture and seal the roof to protect it against dangerous UV rays.
2. Clean ducts and vents
It is very important to clear ducts and vents regularly. Dust and debris build-up can prevent your ventilation system from working efficiently, which can raise your energy costs and increase the risk of airborne diseases.
The dryness of the summer season usually results in a high quantity of dust, that’s why the ducts and vents should be cleaned as early as possible in the season.
3. Clean your Central air Conditioner
It is also necessary to clean the outdoor unit of the central hair conditioner at the start of the summer season. The whole process should include:
- Checking and adjusting the refrigerant levels, controls, and fan-motor
- Cleaning and/or replacing the furnace filter
- Vacuuming the heat exchange grilles to get rid of debris
4. Apply a Fresh Paint Coat of Paint
One of the best ways to take care of your home during summer is by applying a fresh coat of paint. During summer, too much heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly, which will leave you with an irritating finish. This is why summer is an ideal season to give your house a new look with fresh paint. Besides, you can use natural sunlight to your advantage in making the paint dry faster. You can paint the house yourself or call professional painters such as Long Island painters for the best results.
5. Check for Any Leaks
When water leaks into your property, it can cause havoc if not inspected and treated immediately. This is why you should check for any signs of leakage as it can save you a significant amount of money. The presence of mold and dew in your property are signs of leakage that you should look out for. You can also check all outdoor faucets for leakages.
6. Control the Pests
Insects are very common in households during the summer. One moment you could be in your living room enjoying the summer breeze through the windows and before you know it, a whole lot of fleas may find their way inside your house.
But if you act proactively, you will stop the fleas, wasps, and bedbugs from gaining access to your house. During summer when the temperature goes up, these insects are out too. The best way to prevent these unwanted guests from entering your house is by:
- Keeping your home clean and tidy at all times
- Closing bin lids and taking them out for collection daily [if possible]
- Seal the gaps in door frames or tears in walls that can permit the smaller creatures from entering your house.
How to take care of your property in Long Island in winter
Winters are increasingly becoming harsh, and a single winter storm can cause severe damages. To avoid unnecessary costly repairs, here are tips to help you prepare your home for winter and even maintain it during the winter.
1. Check your Gutters and Drainage
During winter, there are usually heavy rains. That’s why you need to be adequately prepared. While many homeowners don’t like the idea of cleaning their gutters since it is a daunting task, it can save them a significant amount of money in the long run. Properly maintained gutters can reduce the need to replace them as well as the chance of roof damage.
Moreover, a blocked gutter can overflow and put a strain on the roof. Once you have cleaned your gutters, you need to check for any signs of drainage issues. Check for water damage stains on your basement or mildew on your attic. Both water damage and mildew are signs that your drainage system is not working as it should.
2. Check your electrical system
Of course, you wouldn’t want to have a malfunctioning electrical system. This can be so annoying when you have to deal with cold weather and darker days. So, to avoid such an occurrence, you need to schedule an electrical maintenance routine to ensure that everything is working efficiently. A professional electrician can help you out.
3. Avoid ice Dams
During winters, ice dams can form at the edge of the roof. You wouldn’t want them because they not only prevent melting snow from draining properly, but they can also leak into your roof and cause damage to the walls and ceilings.
To prevent the ice dam from forming, you need to keep the entire roof at the equal temperature. To achieve this, increase ventilation and add insulation.
4. Waterproof your Exterior Pipes
Chilly temperatures can cause major issues to the external pipes. Frozen pipes can break, and the moment they defrost, they can release too much water which can lead to severe structural damage.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your property during winter or summer is vital. Your property is one of your most significant investments. That’s why you need to ensure that it is well protected from elements and other natural disasters. If you live in Long Island, you have all the essential tips you need to take care of your property.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.