9 Home Maintenance Habits That Make a Country House Last

Like any property, there are vital maintenance tasks that will make a country house last. Even if your home is in excellent condition, it won’t be for long if you aren’t proactive about it. Unless the home is in disrepair, it doesn’t even take much either. All you need to do is some seasonal checks and some light jobs that keep things running. From checking the gutters on a regular basis to landscaping for home safety, here are some of the most important property tasks.

Checking and Cleaning the Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of a house, as it keeps water from entering the home. As strong as a roof typically is, it needs looking after. Roof maintenance can be as simple as calling a local roof cleaner to remove debris such as bird droppings and stubborn leaves. However, it also takes some extra care, such as checking the shingles and flashing for damage and cracks, which should be done at least twice a year, but is best every season.

Make a Country House Last with Gutter Checks

It depends on where you live and the type of weather you get, but it is recommended that you check the gutters at least twice per year. Some estimates conclude that around 40% of homes have been damaged because of bad gutters, but all it takes is a few simple maintenance tasks:

• Check your gutters before and after a storm that has been particularly windy.
• Look for common debris such as twigs, leaves, and shingle grit that causes blockages.
• Make sure the gutters are aligned with a slight slope towards the downspouts.

Gap and Crack Vigilance

Have you ever been enjoying your home and then felt the icy chill like a ghostly hand on your shoulder? You don’t need to call Dr. Venkman and the boys; that’s the gaps in your windows! Gaps around windows and doors can be the bane of home coziness and will cost you more on energy bills. In fact, up to 40% of a home’s heat can be lost through bad windows alone. It helps to upgrade the windows if possible, but sealant and weather strips make a massive difference.

Seasonal Pest Prevention

Each season comes with its wonders and its problems. Some of the worst issues on a rural property come from pests. From the smallest bugs to game wildlife, pests come in all shapes and sizes. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent pests from coming into the home. For example, it helps to store firewood away from the house to minimize insects. You can also trim back hedges and bushes and check for small holes and gaps on ceilings and walls.

Make a Country House Last with HVAC Care

Around 90% of homes in the US have an HVAC system. Whether it’s for heating, cooling, or both, you rely a lot on HVAC, but many people overlook even basic care. There are quite a few ways to ensure your HVAC is ready for seasonal changes to avoid a pending breakdown.

Change the filters

The filters are the easiest things to care for inside an HVAC system. Some can be cleaned with soapy water, and others must be replaced periodically, between 2 months and a year.

Check the outdoor unit

The HVAC unit is actually outside, as it needs to draw in air to condense. Because of this, it can go overlooked. Every now and then, do a quick check that there is no debris around the unit.

Clean coils and vents

HVAC systems rely on coils and vents as much as filters. These are tedious to clean but must be kept in good condition to function properly. Wiping and dusting is all it really takes, though.

HVAC systems don’t require much maintenance, but they will run much better with seasonal inspections. If not, they can use up to 60% more energy, adding to your bills. Every season, give the ducts and coils a quick clean, change the filters, and clear debris from the outside unit.

Septic Tank Inspections

Can you imagine a worse thing happening than sewage backing up into your home? What an absolute nightmare! When a septic tank fails, it isn’t only a literal mess and very damaging to the property, but it is also very expensive to repair. Rural properties are not usually connected to the main sewer lines like in cities, so maintenance is absolutely vital. Make sure you inspect it and often pump the system every three to five years. If in doubt or you notice an issue, call an expert ASAP.

Emergency Shut-Off and Alarm Tests

Country houses that are older can be made from materials that may not be treated for fire damage or water damage. Also, you may not have quick access to emergency services in a rural location. So, it helps to ensure all of your emergency alarms are in working order. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms weekly. To avoid disaster or reduce the impact of something like a gas leak or flood, it also helps to know where your shut valves are located.

Landscaping Helps Make a Country House Last

In the US alone, property damage from poor drainage reaches between $180 billion and $500 billion. Landscaping isn’t all about making the garden look nice, and it actually has a function. That function is to provide adequate drainage and prevent damage from natural growth:

• Ensure the slope of your yard is around ⅛ to ¼ of an inch so water can run off.
• Trim back any tree branches that might be coming too close to windows or power lines.
• Apply insulation to outdoor pipes and tanks to prevent them from freezing in winter.

Plumbing and Wiring Checks

Two of the most important parts of a house are the plumbing and wiring. If either one of these has a problem, it can be a disaster and very expensive to fix. Additionally, they can cause irreparable damage to your home. Every now and then, check under the sinks for leaks, inspect the toilet, and look for leaking pipes. For electrical wiring, ensure exposed wires are insulated, act quickly if the system is tripping out, and call an expert if you hear sounds and smell burning. 

Summary

Checking and cleaning the gutters is a vital task that will help make a country house last. Of course, vital systems like HVAC must also be kept to a high standard to function well. It also helps to ensure the plumbing and wiring are in excellent condition to avoid a disaster.