It’s easy to list all the common home improvement jobs and maintenance tasks that keep your home in good order. However, there are some jobs that may not be obvious but still contribute to the smooth running of your home and maintain its value.
Boxing in a boiler
Boxing in a boiler can add to the aesthetic of your home. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, utility room or basement, you have to admit your boiler is not the most attractive appliance in your house. Potential buyers may even be put off by an exposed boiler or reduce their offer as a result.
If the boiler is in the kitchen, it’s typically boxed in using a matching kitchen cabinet or for other locations the boxing is designed to match the surroundings.Having the boiler concealed doesn’t interfere with its operation, servicing or maintenance and is a purely cosmetic choice.
There are recommended distances that the boxing should adhere to so that there is enough space for ventilation. You should consult your boiler’s manufacturer’s instructions concerning these distances as they will vary.
Replace your silicone
Did you know that the silicone in your home has a finite life? Over time silicone degrades and can fail, causing leaks and damage to your property. You may see gaps appear around the line of silicone or notice that it has breaks in it. Alternatively, the sealant may become discoloured or stained. Most of these are indications that the silicone needs to be replaced.
The tools you need for this job are:
- utility knife
- sealant remover
- plastic sealant remover and application tool
- cloths
- white spirit
- flat decorator’s scraper
- dust pan and brush
Remove the majority of the sealant with the knife and scrapers, being careful not to damage the bath and wall. Clean off the loose sealant and use the sealant remover on the remaining sealant.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and scrape off the sealant,cleaning the area with white spirit before reapplying a new bead of silicone.
Inspect your gutters
The guttering in your home is never going to be the main attraction but it does play a vital supporting role. The rainwater from your roof runs into the gutters and is deposited into the downpipes which carry it into the drains, away from your house.
Without gutters or with poorly maintained gutters and downpipes, the rainwater ends up at the base of your walls and seeps into the foundations. You see where we’re going with this.
Your rainwater system prevents damp entering your home either at the roof level, through the external walls or beneath your house. So it’s worth making sure that this system is in excellent condition.
Apart from making sure to keep your gutter clear of leaves and other debris, you should also be checking that there are no holes, splits or cracks in the gutters or downpipes.
Inspect the brackets holding everything in place and make a note of any staining on the external walls which could indicate a leak. Take a walk outside on a rainy day and check out how your rainwater system is working, making notes of any issues. But don’t forget your brolly!