5 Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Homeownership is hard. That’s the understatement of the year, but with time comes knowledge and experience. Until then, you have to rely on trial and error, or the wisdom of family and friends. Once you finally purchase your dream home, don’t make these five faux pas when it comes to maintaining it.

1. Ignoring Your Gutters: If your gutters are clogged, water begins to dump out along the foundation of your home. This allows moisture to absorb into the cracks and crevices, which can compromise your home’s stability over time. Remember to thoroughly clean your gutters every spring and ensure that they haven’t been pulled away from the fascia throughout the winter.   
   
   
2. Painting On Top of Rust: Have rusty patio furniture? Slapping any old paint on rusty metal surfaces seems like a no-brainer, however, there are certain steps to follow before doing so: 1.) Be sure to use a scraper to remove the corrosion. 2.) Feather paint edges with 100-grit sandpaper. 3.) Use rust primer to treat spots. 4.) Use only direct-to-metal (DTM) paint. This will ensure a longer lasting paint job every time!
   
   
3. Using too Much Drain Cleaner: Back away from the Draino! Using too many clog-dissolving liquids can eat away at the pipes themselves. Try using baking soda and vinegar is an effective DIY drain cleaner. In addition, be sure to routinely snake your drains to avoid build up. 
   
   
4. Choosing the Wrong Outdoor Rug: The rubber and vinyl backings present on many rugs trap water, making them a breeding ground for mildew and mold. This can cause the wood on decks and porches to rot, as well as attract creepy-crawlers. When choosing an outdoor rug this spring, make sure it has an open-weave design so water can evaporate naturally.
   
   
5. Closing Your Vents: Closing vents in various rooms to redirect the air conditioning can create an imbalance of pressure in your air ducts and cause the cooling coil to freeze. Have branch dampers installed your ductwork, which allow you to force cool air to the second floor in summer and warm air to the ground floor in winter. In addition, be sure to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years.

Not sure when the last time your ducts were cleaned? New homeowners should schedule a duct cleaning before moving in. GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.