Staying Current on Home Maintenance A Must

It is not surprising to find that some people consider maintenance something to avoid, given the term’s connotations of unwelcome expense and inconvenience. It’s time again for that tune-up, oil change or brake job? How am I, let alone my checking account, going to squeeze that in this week? Procrastination results, although we understand far greater expenses in time and cash likely will result. Chalk it up to human nature.

Homeowners are even more prey to that impulse, given the costs associated with many of even the simplest maintenance projects. Owners of manufactured housing have proven no exception, despite the fact it is even more important for them than traditional homeowners to stay on top of the maintenance regimen. Mobile home maintenance procedures vary from model to model but the first step is always to consult your owners’ manual to determine what needs to be done when. That said, here are some basic tips for maintaining your residence and, along with it, your ability to make it as comfortable as possible.

Start at the Top: That roof over your head? In many cases, it is metallic surface created by fusing galvanized steel sheets together. Constantly exposed to the elements, it is susceptible to all kinds of damage. Do it and yourself a favor by periodically examining and cleaning the surface, taking care to avoid walking on the roof itself.

Side Job: With most manufactured homes, steel informs not only the roof but the unit’s overall frame. Again, regular inspections are the answer. Take a walk around your unit and eyeball it closely. If you notice a scratch or any damage that might expose the frame to rust or corrosion, repair it as soon as you can. Choose high-quality asphaltic base, zinc chromate or paint for these projects – all will provide the protection you seek.

Windows and Doors: Windows are among the most expensive items in a home to purchase and install, which is all the more reason to stay current on their maintenance. Window panes, tracks and operating mechanisms should be checked regularly and kept clean to ensure everything is in working order. Also it is imperative in drier seasons to check windows for leaks; no one likes surprises during a spring downpour. As for doors, use warm, soapy water to keep them clean and remember to adjust them as necessary to ensure they fit properly and close fully. Got the squeaks? Take some silicon spray to the hinges.

Get At the Gutters: Gutters exist is to channel water away from your manufactured home’s foundation. If that doesn’t happen you could be looking at foundation damage or any number of leakage problems, and it will not happen if your gutters are clogged. This is a particularly common problem in the fall in more wooded mobile home communities. The answer is to clean your gutters on a regular basis or look into installing gutter guards. There are several brands of guards on the market and most have proven effective in limiting the amount of natural detritus likely to accumulate and clog your gutters.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.