by Alec Keit

In tough economic times the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has never been more relevant. Investing in routine preventive maintenance can prevent costly repairs and protect your home.

Here are tips to help you detect potential problems and avoid costly repairs — as well as some tips to help you save money by saving energy.

1) Remove vegetation that is growing against the house. It harbors insects and holds moisture that can cause mildew and peeling paint. Allow a 2-foot perimeter between plants and the house, foundation and siding. 

2) Clogged and damaged gutters and downspouts can cause dry rot as well as water and structural damage. An annual inspection can prevent potential problems. Clogged downspouts can lead to rotten trim around the edge of your roof. Sagging or leaking gutters need immediate attention.

3) Weatherproofing can save money on energy bills and keep bugs out. A quick way to check for leaks around doors and windows is to light a candle and trace around the interior side of doors and windows. If the flame is drawn towards the window or door chances are your weather stripping needs attention.

• Seal all gaps on the exterior   of your home with a caulking gun. This can greatly reduce air transfer and prevent pests from entering your home.

• Install sweeps or weather stripping under doors.

4) Change your furnace filter twice a year so it doesn’t impede airflow. This goes for both heating and air conditioning seasons.

5) Consider lowering the temperature on your water heater 

to 120 degrees, and wrap the outside of the tank in an insulation blanket. Insulate water pipes with closed-cell foam pipe insulation. This can raise water temperature by an average of 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Tape all of the joints with housewrap tape.

Alec Keit, your property improvement specialist, has been maintaining, repairing and remodeling residential and commercial properties since 2000 through his company, R&R Handywork and Construction. An 18-year Pacifica resident, he can be reached at 650-922-4103 or by e-mail at keit@sbcglobal.net.