Your home’s roof and foundation are the most important elements to the integrity of a house. It’s no wonder home shoppers will pay particular attention to these elements during an inspection period.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home and want the most value you can get for it, or you plan on staying in your house for a long time, taking care of your home’s roof and crawlspace or basement is key. Here are some easy tips for maintaining the health of your home.
Basic Roof Care for Homeowners
Cleaning debris from your roof not only keeps gutters from getting clogged, it also inhibits growth of moss and algae. Overtime, moss and algae that grows on your roof will begin to break down the roofing material, cause more debris (sticks, dirt, leaves, etc) to become trapped, and will ultimately compromise the weatherproofing of your roof.
Once a year, inspect shingles and flashing, especially around pipes and chimneys. Gutters should be cleaned a couple of times a year, depending on your location.
Ensure your ventilation system from bathrooms and kitchens vent outside your home, rather than into an attic space. While many older homes may vent into attic spaces, it’s just another way for moist air to be introduced to the area and can lead to problems.
Finally, keep an eye on overhanging branches that could be trimmed back from your roofline.
Basement and Crawlspace Maintenance
Basements and crawlspaces require special care to maintain the overall structural integrity of the home. Rain, humidity, and other trapped moisture are the biggest culprits for foundation damage. Here are some tips for keeping your crawlspace or basement in tiptop shape.
A visual inspection of your home’s foundation is your first step in crawlspace care. You can identify potential problem areas by cracks and old water stains. Seal these up with an epoxy sealant or concrete crack repair solution. Make sure your gutter pipes are directed away from the foundation to avoid pooling water. In the Portland area, I recommend Western Construction Systems for their foundation restoration and structural repair work.
Controlling humidity will prevent mold and mildew from thriving under your house. Proper ventilation and a dehumidifier will keep your crawlspace or basement mold-free. If you have a bigger project than you can handle on your own, I recommend Water Bear Restoration Services Water Bear specializes in water cleanup, water extraction, and mold remediation.
Crawlspace encapsulation is an option as well, though it’s an expensive one.
Preventing Common Roof and Basement Problems
There are many easy things homeowners can do on their own to maintain the health of their home.
While big projects may require hiring a professional, many issues can be mitigated by routine inspection and care. A simple visual inspection and regular cleaning of your roof and crawlspace will extend the life of your home.
