It takes a lot of time, money, and effort to purchase a new home or to build one from the ground up that will make your family comfortable for generations. But having a home isn’t just a place that you’ll be staying in; it’s also an investment, especially if you plan on selling it. But just like any building, homes have a lifespan and will gradually deteriorate if it’s not being maintained.
Various factors can affect a home’s lifespan, weather conditions and disasters being one of those factors. Fortunately, you can maintain important aspects of your home with some planning and focus and preserve its beauty for years to come. Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Minding Your HVAC Systems
First and foremost, one of the most crucial parts of your home that will impact your home’s lifespan and the comfortability of your inhabitants comes is your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Although many homes consider temperature regulation and can passively retain heat or cool your home depending on weather conditions, there are still many residential living spaces that will rely on ventilation and air conditioning to maximize individuals’ comfort.
The last thing that many homeowners want during warm summers is an underperforming HVAC system. Not only will this cause a great deal of discomfort among inhabitants, but this can also have a significant impact on some structures inside your home. It’s important to remember that homes will rely on supporting beams and structures to help their structural integrity.
If these ventilation systems do not properly regulate moisture and humidity, this could lead to the proliferation of molds on ventilation shafts and supporting structures. Many of these molds can be unsightly and can also slowly chip away at the structural strength of your home.
That said, you’ll need to start getting your HVAC systems maintained on an annual basis. Not only will this extend your home’s lifespan, but this can also keep the majority of the inhabitants comfortable. Getting your HVAC systems checked out by professionals should be done consistently; although you might have to spend for this type of maintenance, it’s a better choice than having to replace your entire system, which might cost thousands of dollars.
Investing in a Good Roof
A variety of environmental factors determines your home’s lifespan. Naturally, if your home is situated in an area with strong winds, in the path of hurricanes, or weather conditions that can cause hailstorms, there’s a good chance that damage done by these natural elements could severely cut down your roof’s life expectancy. That said, you’ll need to invest in durable and long-lasting materials for your roof if you want to preserve the good condition of your home.
Although your roof might not necessarily be the first thing that visitors or inhabitants will see, it’s still one of the most important parts of your home since it’s the first line of defense against a variety of weather conditions. But other than keeping everyone in your home comfortable and safe, roofs also have a significant impact on curb appeal.
There are a variety of roofing materials that you can choose from. Each type of roofing will have its own unique characteristics. You’ll need to choose will depend on your home’s architectural style and the weather in your area. For instance, slate tile roofing is great in holding down homes from high winds since it’s known for being heavy while having a good lifespan of 125 years, making it great for homes that face harsh weather conditions. However, it doesn’t bode well when it comes to impacts from hailstorms.
Since roofs can last a long time, there’s no surprise that they will usually fetch a hefty price tag. Fortunately, many types of roofing don’t cost a fortune. Versatile PVC roofing membranes are a great cost-effective means of lengthening the lifespan of homes with flat rooftops. Not only are PVC roofs especially durable, but they’re also known for being environmentally friendly while being cost-effective for their price. This means that you can easily get some return on investment.
Cleaning Your Interiors and Exteriors
Last but not least, you’ll need to start cleaning your home’s interiors and exteriors. Although HVAC systems and your roof are important aspects that could affect your home’s lifespan, debris, dirt, and a messy environment could lead to structural problems in the long run. For instance, waste and garbage in your yard can clog up drainage systems, which can lead to flooding. In some situations, clogged gutters can cause water to flow out towards areas where they shouldn’t be going, which can cause flooding and extensive water damage, especially when it will seep towards nooks and crannies of your home’s foundation and roofing.
That said, you’ll need to ensure that your home’s gutters are cleared from any form of debris while also cleaning underground drainage systems. This is essential in maintaining the integrity of your home’s foundation. Most experts would also suggest cutting down and clearing tree branches close to your roof since leaves can fall towards your gutters, which can clog it up.
There are a variety of cost-effective ways to lengthen your home’s lifespan without having to spend a fortune. Whether you’re increasing the value of your home since you’re planning on selling it, still planning out your future home, or looking for ways of preserving your home’s condition, you’ll need to focus on staving off these environmental factors.
