Realize
By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty
Here at NeighbourWorks in Grays Harbor, other people ask us what sorts of things they want to do to keep their homes well maintained.
And then there are the other people whose homes they recommend, even on an occasional tour, that they may not be sure how to deal with what their biggest investment is.
If you want a smart wake-up call, the home’s maximum insurance policies do not cover deferred maintenance. In other words, if you discover this summer that the caulking of one of your windows was not safe, so over time, the water leaked into the wooden floor and that floor now wants to be replaced, you probably won’t be covered. Stop that.
Or maybe all the steam showers have gone through and you realize that mold is invading your bathroom. (However, check this carefully; some owner policies cover a serious mold decontamination. Oh, but don’t make the deductible pay first!)
When it comes to deferred maintenance, i.e. maintenance that has been postponed, water of a safe type will worry about the deterioration of a component of your home.
So, while the weather is better now and there’s less rain to endure, we think we’ll give you a list of responsibilities you deserve to do this summer so things can have a good time at home.
Not all of these responsibilities are appropriate for all homeowners. Even if you’re a handyman, use wisdom to know which ones you deserve to assume and which ones are the most productive for a handyman or other professional. We present licensed, servitude and insured contractors with smart references.
The basic house is essential.
Summer is the best time to leave blank and ventilate garages, shops, barns and outbuildings. Wash all internal and external windows. Watch your “waste” while storing. Perhaps some of these pieces can move to places like Habitat Restoration in Hoquiam, Goodwill or Earthwise in Aberdeen. Maybe some of them can even sell Grays Harbor Swap and Shop or e-bay.
Will you cut and stack firewood this summer? If this is the case, place it at least 25 feet from your home to discourage insect and bug infestations in your home.
What does your deck look like? Especially if you’re older, you may need to do a security check. Look at the poles holding the bridge to make sure they don’t rot at the battery point and that the steel supports are not rusty. Even treated wood will fail, especially when the deck boards are nailed in every race. This is where water tends to get trapped, causing rot and failures.
As you read about the structure, be sure to see the hexagonal heads of the quinconce bolts along the edge of the terrace that join at the edge attached to the house. If you only see nail heads, you should consult your contractor or construction manager for a full inspection of the bridge.
When was the last time you thoroughly washed your sidewalks, steps, porches and all the other cement walkways? This “green” for which we are so notorious here can grow in the form of moss in all those places. It has no tendency to cause many disorders in the summer, however, when the rains arrive, it can be very slippery.
This is the time of year to dye or portray also its terraces and fences. Not only does a new coat of paint or dye on your terrace and fences refresh the overall look of your home, but it can also make wood life bigger. Before restoring a terrace or nearby, be sure to rub quickly with 30 Second Cleaner. It will temporarily dry and be in position for the next step. Electrically washed wooden covers will require several days of drying before being portrayed or dyed.
While you are at it, check the strength and security of any fences you might have. If they are intended to keep animals safely inside, check all possible escape routes. Maybe this is the year that you and your neighbor will get together to build a new fence together or fix up the old one.
When was the last time you painted your house? Our environment is hard with paint and stains, which is the largest barrier to prevent moisture from penetrating. In the port, the maximum houses must be painted every 4 to 8 years. The key to a smart task is tedious preparation: painting scraping, overheating, etc.
Even if this is rarely the year for a new paint job, a smart outdoor scrub can do wonders for your home view, but it can still be used to extend the life of your paint job! Introducing 30 Second Cleaner. Apply with a scrubbing brush, using a long post, if required, and lightly rub the coating. (Be sure to rinse it thoroughly). Follow the package commands and use a regular hose with a flood nozzle for rinsing.
High-pressure cleaners can damage paint and hand lining, and using this cleaner is less expensive and much faster.
Find us on Facebook
If you would like to read these columns, please visit our NeighborWorks Grays Harbor Facebook page. We would like to give you housing, maintenance and budget recommendations, as well as provide you with virtual information about our columns.
Our Facebook page is also a wonderful position to comment on one of our Clou columns, make a home-related inquiry or send us a personal message. You can also tell us what types of topics you would like to see in the following columns. You may have a housing or maintenance factor that you would like to see addressed.
You can also visit our online www.nwghc.org page. We remain a library of all our columns beyond.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are structural specialists at Grays Harbor County’s NeighbourWorks, where Murnen is ceo. It is a non-profit organization committed to creating affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about repairing, renting, renovating or buying a home, call 360-533-7828 or stop at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our workplace is fully compliant with the ADA.