Next to winter, summer brings some of the most brutal conditions for your home, income properties, and other structures. Heat, high humidity, and/or extreme dry conditions present a unique set of potential problems or deteriorations that may affect the health and value of your home. To protect your investment and its occupants, here are some recommended inspection points.
Roof and Gutters
Your roof is your first line of defense for many home maintenance issues and is the most difficult to inspect safely and accurately. Knowing the age of your roof is a good start. The lifespan of a composite roof is estimated to be 20 years and up to 50 years for tile roofs. Seasonal roof inspections can help optimize the life of your roof by catching deterioration and making needed repairs early.
Foundation, Basement, Decking
Other than your roof, foundational elements are a top priority for seasonal evaluation. Cracks in a foundation, wall, or basement may be a visual sign of a developing issue. It is important to get a professional assessment of all structural cracks to maintain the safety and security of your property.
Additionally, anything that occupants or visitors are stepping on such as flooring, decks, stairs, and sidewalks can be a liability. If not kept structurally sound and clear of debris, loose boards or unstable structures may result in injury and a homeowner’s claim. To avoid problems, start with a quick walk through of your property and note anything needing repair then prioritize the projects. If a project requires a special skill set or trade, Benchmark Preferred Partner Network can help.
A/C and Wall Temperature
Keeping your space cool in the summer is not only a matter of comfort, but also a key indicator of potential maintenance issues. There are two factors to cooling your property: generating cool air and capturing it.
Let’s begin with your air conditioner. Do a visual inspection of the exterior unit to confirm that it is clean and clear of debris and plants. Then go to the internal unit, the thermostat. Turn it on and reduce the desired temperature to 5 degrees less than the current internal temperature of the property. The unit should turn on immediately. Look for notifications like “low battery” or “service needed”. The easiest fix is changing the batteries, otherwise you may need to have an HVAC professional out to service the unit.
Once your HVAC unit is producing the adequate amount of cool air, you will want to capture in your home. Air escapes through windows, doors, and poorly insulated walls and attics. A professional inspectors use special infrared tools to measure heat loss and moisture that is escaping or entering through roofs and walls. Benchmark Services takes humidity measure during seasonal inspections associated with the Maintenance Program.
Moisture and Drainage
In some regions of the country, summer is associated with dry weather. Yet, other areas experience heavy rains and intermittent storms. Aside from natural causes, poorly maintained irrigation systems with unattended drainage issues can put your property at risk for moisture issues around your foundation. Saturated soil may cause the ground under your foundation to settle unevenly leading to a plethora of structural issues. Standing water anywhere on your property should be evaluated and resolved to avoid more costly and hazardous problems.
Benchmark Services Can Help!
Benchmark Services Maintenance Program provides seasonal inspections and some maintenance features to relieve the burden and take the worry out of home maintenance. We offer free exterior evaluations and consultations to assess the specific needs of your property. Let’s get started today and avoid the maintenance issues that can develop in the summer months.
