Safety Tips for Homeowners Performing Exterior Building Maintenance

Property is a great investment, but what you need to remember is that your property will require regular maintenance if it is to hold its value. Kitchens, bathrooms and other internal fixtures and fittings will all need replacing every ten years or so, depending on the level of wear and tear. These tasks are tedious enough, but do not forget that there are also plenty of external maintenance jobs to be done on a regular basis.

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Roofs do not last forever. Nor do windows. External timber should be painted and repaired every three years or so and you are advised to check the fabric of your home, specifically the roof, at least once a year. Working at ground floor level is not too difficult, but there are safety issues to contend with once you need to work at height. You may need safety accessories and specialist equipment, so bear this in mind.

Here are some useful tips for homeowners who have exterior maintenance jobs to do on their property.

Cleaning Out Gutters

Gutters should be cleaned out every fall. Leaves from nearby trees will drift into your gutters and cause a blockage in no time. Blocked gutters lead to standing water, and once the temperature falls, this water will turn into ice. Hanging icicles look pretty, but they can be dangerous. Imagine how painful it would be if an icicle fell from the room and hit you on the head. Do not let this happen to you!

To clean gutters and give the roof a check, all you need is a ladder. However, be careful when positioning a ladder. Make sure the ladder is firmly sited on a secure footing. Do not pitch the ladder too steeply, or it could topple over. It is sensible to ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb up, as this should prevent the ladder moving. Once you are up the ladder, don’t lean sideways, as you will probably fall off.

Roof Maintenance

Roofs need inspecting at least once a year. You can do this safely from ground level if you use a pair of binoculars, but if you do need to climb on to the roof, do not take any silly risks. Always use a roof ladder, as roofs can be slippery. If you are not good at height, don’t even attempt to climb on to the roof. Instead, pay a roofing contractor to carry out any maintenance tasks. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Service Garden Equipment

Garden equipment should be serviced once a year. Always empty gasoline powered equipment before storing items away for winter. It is also sensible to remove any gasoline cans to prevent fires.

Home maintenance is time consuming, but you cannot put these jobs off forever. To avoid forgetting anything important, make a list of jobs, and when they need doing. Put them into your electronic calendar and that way you will receive a handy reminder in good time.