UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Maintaining your home is crucial to ensuring its longevity and safety. A comprehensive home maintenance checklist can help identify areas needing cleaning, repairs, or improvements.
Here are essential tasks to consider throughout the year.
Roof Inspection
Ivan Mukiibi, a roofer, advises that a good roof should last about 30 years before showing significant wear. However, regular inspections are essential to catch early damage and extend the roof’s lifespan.
“Make sure your roofer inspects every corner for animal activity, damaged or missing shingles, algae, moss, or fungus growth, and potential leaks,” says Mukiibi.
Regular inspections help in identifying issues like punctures, cracks, and fastener problems.
Water Tanks and Heaters
Regularly inspecting water tanks and heaters can help prevent malfunctions, breakdowns, and costly repairs. Richard Buwanga, a plumber, recommends routine flushing to remove mineral build-up and debris that can damage the water tank.
Additionally, flushing prevents water contamination that can lead to health risks such as malaria and typhoid.
“There are times when you should not wait to flush your tank, such as when your water has an unpleasant odor, you hear loud noises inside the tank, or the tank releases rust-colored water,” Buwanga says.
Gutters
Gutters help divert water away from the base of the house, preventing foundation damage or flooding. However, gutters can collect dirt and debris, affecting their performance.
To ensure they are in peak condition, carry out routine inspections and maintenance. Gutters can be cleaned using a high-pressure water hose or manually removing debris such as leaves or soil.
While cleaning can be done by any homeowner, it is advisable to call in a professional once you spot cracks, holes, or broken gutter lines.
Plants
Hot seasons can cause natural plants to dry up. This is the time to check the condition of individual plants and respond accordingly.
Consider watering, fertilising, and pruning plants to enable your garden to thrive.
Precious Mazzi, a resident of Maganjo and an avid gardener notes that plants tend to shed leaves during hot months, making it the right time to trim overgrown trees and shrubs.
Drainage
Buwanga notes that drainage maintenance requires careful coordination and attention to detail because it is one of the most important components of the plumbing system.
Without proper maintenance, pipes, drains, and other system components can become clogged or damaged, resulting in problems such as cracks, unpleasant odours, and blockages.
Proper drainage maintenance prevents water damage and erosion by controlling water flow, reducing the risk of flooding and stagnant water, which can attract pests and pose health risks.
Additionally, drainage maintenance preserves infrastructure by preventing water-related damage to buildings and water sources.
Although most of the maintenance work can be done by the homeowner, it is best to hire a plumber annually for professional guidance.
Declutter
Decluttering is essential to creating a healthy and safe home environment. Getting rid of excess items enables better organisation, creating a more visually pleasing environment.
Decluttering can also positively impact mental and emotional well-being. While decluttering has many benefits, it can be a daunting task. To make it less daunting, set aside dedicated time daily to declutter.
Scheduling a few minutes every weekend to tackle a specific room can lead to significant progress. Be ruthless when choosing which belongings to get rid of.
Ask yourself, “Do I need this?” or “When was the last time I used this?” If you have not used something in the past year, consider getting rid of it.
Be willing to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. When scheduling your decluttering time, choose a time that works best for you.
Some people prefer to declutter in the morning, while others prefer the evening.
A thorough home maintenance checklist can help homeowners, tenants, and property managers keep their homes in good condition throughout the year.
Regular inspections and maintenance of the roof, water tanks and heaters, gutters, plants, and drainage systems are crucial. Additionally, decluttering can enhance the living environment, making it healthier and more organised.
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