Maintaining the interior elements of your home can make your belongings last longer and save you from incurring considerable expenses in the long run. Taking care of your home prevents wear and tear, so your space won’t need as frequent repair or replacement.
Depending on location, some homes are exposed to unique factors and conditions that require extra maintenance and attention, which we cover here. Read on for a checklist of maintaining your home’s interior so you can enjoy your space for years to come.
Protect Wood from Sun, Heat, and Water Damage
Regular exposure to salt, sand and elevated temperatures can prematurely age different interior elements, especially in coastal homes. Wood, for example, is prone to dry out. When its color fades, it will become rough and splinter, which takes away from its aesthetic and practical functions.
You can protect your wooden furniture, walls, and windows with a polyurethane coating or a wood-specific paint, reapplying it as needed. When regularly sealed, your home’s banisters, floors, and other wooden surfaces will last longer.
Prevent Metal Surfaces from Rusting
A combination of salt, sand, and moisture can quickly corrode metal. This can affect your home, including door hinges, door handles, shower fixtures, sinks, air vent covers, and kitchen utensils. Treating rust as soon as you notice it is essential because once it has started, it can spread quickly.
Once you identify an area with signs of rust, remove as much rust as possible. This can be done with store-bought chemical treatments, home remedies, and a wire brush. Once most of the rust has been removed, treat the metal with an anti-rust coating or sealant to keep it from coming back.
After treatment, you might need to oil door hinges more frequently when you notice a stiffness or squeaking noise.
Identifying and Removing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are common in homes and are typically a result of excess moisture. Bathrooms are the most common place for this to occur because the steam from showers can build up, primarily if ventilation units aren’t used or functioning correctly.
If you notice mold growing in your bathrooms, conduct a trial run to determine if your ventilation system works as it should. Then ensure everyone uses the fan when taking a shower –– even guests.
Dehumidifiers in other rooms of the house can help prevent mold. For smaller spaces, including closets and utility rooms, moisture absorbers can prevent decay and keep away unpleasant smells caused by excess moisture.
If your home has a basement, installing flood vents mitigates flood damage and helps protect your foundation from lasting damage.
If you notice mold or mildew in your house, remove it as soon as possible using store-bought or professional cleaners. Once you’ve removed the mold, the area can be sealed and covered in mold-resistant paint to prevent it from returning.
Eroding caulking also allows mold to grow in inconspicuous cracks, so regularly inspect the caulk around sinks and showers and replace it as needed.
Famous Pest Problems and How to Prevent Them
All regions have pests; humid areas, in particular, will attract insects like roaches, termites, and sand fleas. These can range anywhere from annoying to destructive. Thankfully, there are ways they can be removed and prevented.
Whether through a pest control company or store-bought solutions, treat your home for pest issues twice a year. This eliminates existing pests and prevents new colonies from residing in your home.
Once the bugs are gone, take preventative measures to keep them out: properly store food, inspect doors, windows, and weather stripping for holes, and ensure your home receives an annual inspection for pests.
The presence of pests, especially destructive insects like termites, can wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity –– not to mention your comfort levels inside your home! Know the signs of pest damage and take preventative measures to prevent problems before they occur.
Keeping Up with Basic Utility Maintenance
Investing in quality doors and windows with a waterproof seal can prevent water damage and increase the efficacy of heating and air condition units as they keep the warm or cool air from escaping. Other general maintenance items include ensuring electrical wiring is in good condition, your HVAC is working efficiently, and your sump pumps and sewer lines are in working order.
Conclusion
Maintaining your home’s interior helps create a safe and pleasant atmosphere. The maintenance items we outlined here directly impact your home’s long-term structural integrity.
Some of these projects are simple and can be done in one day. Others are more of an investment, preventing decay and deterioration in the future. Use this checklist to identify risks in your home so you can create a regular maintenance routine that covers all the essentials, keeping your home in wonderful condition for decades –– or more!