A home’s maximum life expectancy is based on many factors. But if your house needs serious repairs, that life expectancy drops significantly.
Minor home maintenance tasks like replacing light bulbs and changing batteries in smoke detectors can add years to your home’s lifespan. But there are other projects that require bigger — and often more expensive — expenditures of time, energy, and money.
- Insulation
Insulation prevents heat loss from your home in winter and air flow into the house in summer, decreasing your energy consumption and saving you money.
Studies indicate that insulated buildings reduce the burden of rising energy costs by smoothing out peaks in demand. This means less energy has to be produced – and that’s great for the environment.
Insulation prevents condensation on window frames, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. It also helps stop pests, such as wood-eating ants and termites, from infesting your home. It also absorbs noise, making your home a quieter place to live.
- Roof
The roof is one of the most vital parts of any home. The condition of the polycarbonate roof panels significantly impacts a house’s life expectancy, especially in Midwestern climates with extreme weather conditions.
The type of shingles, the color of shingles and the roof’s slope are all important factors for its lifespan. A less durable roofing material can deteriorate faster in regions with fluctuating temperatures and frequent extreme storms. The roof’s
valleys, eaves and overhangs can also leak if they aren’t treated with an ice and water shield. These areas are vulnerable to moss and mildew growth, which can eat away at shingles. If you find that you are in need of professional help with your roof, you can get in touch with Go Roof.
- Gutters
Gutters protect a building from roof leaks by shedding rainwater and directing it away from the structure. Without gutters, a home is at risk for structural damage, mold and mildew growth on siding and fascia boards, and water intrusion into the basement.
A gutter system includes a gutter, end cap, fascia brackets, downspout and elbows. The gutters line the lower edge of the roof and collect rainwater, while the downspout and elbows direct it to a designated drainage location.
Clogged gutters create cozy residences for rodents and other pests that can chew into drywall and gnaw at electrical wires. Routine cleanings and inspections can
prevent clogs.
- Doors
Doors play a vital role in your home, allowing you to move in and out of rooms. They also protect your home from the elements and can help lower heating bills. Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors are expected to last the lifetime of a house, while screen and vinyl doors can expect 20 to 40 years of life. Closet doors, French doors and interior doors can last 30 to 50 years. Caulking can help eliminate drafts and prevent cold air from seeping into your home.
- Electrical
Home electrical inspections can help you see things that your eye cannot – like damage to wires and equipment caused by improper usage or stormy weather. Faulty wiring is the number one cause of house fires, and experts can see whether a panel needs to be replaced or if there are other upgrades that are possible.
Like a person, your home requires yearly checkups and daily care to stay in peak condition. These maintenance steps can extend the life of your property and cut down on future repair costs.
- HVAC
Keeping your HVAC system up to date will reduce the likelihood of it experiencing sudden or ongoing issues. It will also help keep your system covered under warranty, which can save you money on a repair bill. Just like you need to check your electricity bill if the circuit breaker keeps tripping, be sure to look at your utility bills for any clue at a malfunctioning HVAC system.
An HVAC system is designed to move air, heating or cooling it as needed and removing excess humidity. It regulates indoor moisture and can include heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, or central air units.
Ideally, an HVAC system should last between 10 to 30 years. However, poor maintenance can significantly shorten its life expectancy.
- Flooring
Flooring consists of any material that covers and protects a floor structure from foot traffic and airborne contaminants. Typical types include carpeting, any type of tile whether stone or saltillo and wood.
Minor scratches and gouges in hardwood floors can be repaired with a refinishing process. This involves sanding the surface of the floor to remove blemishes, then staining and sealing the wood for an updated appearance that is protected from future damage.
Cracks in tile flooring may be fixed by applying a filler that matches the color of the tile. Gaps caused by regular shifts in indoor humidity should be addressed before they can cause long-term damage to the planks of a floor.
