Keeping your home in good condition isn’t just about how it looks today; it’s about ensuring it lasts. That’s right–many everyday habits and overlooked maintenance steps can chip away at your home’s longevity, potentially causing it to start falling apart long before it otherwise would have. If this fills you with panic, don’t stress–as long as you stay mindful of these common mistakes that could be cutting years off your home’s lifespan, your home should eventually outlive you.
Neglecting Gutters
Even the most avid DIYers tend to forget about their clogged gutters. In the short term, this might not seem like that big of a deal, but eventually, it can lead to water overflow, causing detrimental damage to your home’s foundation and walls. Worse still, this excess water can seep into basements, leading to mold growth and even structural issues. So, regularly clean your gutters once in a while, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Skipping Roof Inspections
Your property’s roof shields it from the elements, each of which can be pretty terrifying at times, so neglecting regular inspections is really not a good idea. Damaged or missing shingles, especially after storms, can worsen over time, invisibly compromising the structure beneath, so even if your roof appears to be safe on the surface, this still isn’t a reason to skip out on routine inspections.
Ignoring Cracks in Walls and Foundations
It doesn’t matter how modern and expensive your home is; cracks will eventually start to show, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of, as it’s normal. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore them, either, even if they are very small. Just like on the road, moisture can enter and erode away at the crack over time, making it bigger, more destructive, and potentially even disastrous for your home’s structural integrity.
Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
Perhaps the most commonly overlooked mistake on this list is using strong chemical cleaners in your home, something you may have never even thought about. It’s time to start considering this, though, because while harsh chemicals promise results, they can also erode surfaces over time, causing all sorts of problems for your home’s aesthetic and structure.
Overlooking Bathroom Ventilation
Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the ventilation in your bathroom, because in serious cases, it can lead to significant damage from trapped moisture. This damp environment promotes mold growth, damages surfaces, and compromises indoor air quality, none of which would be healthy for you or your family to be around.
Allowing Dust Buildup
Dust is practically unavoidable, and no matter how much you clean, it’s always going to come back. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore it, though; as it builds up, it won’t just make your home look unclean, but it can clog up HVAC systems, wear down surfaces, and coat electronics, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it’s very important to stay on top of regular dusting of all kinds, even if it’s just surface level.
Planting Trees Too Close to the House
It’s hard to believe that something as beautiful as a tree could shorten the lifespan of your home, but it absolutely can. Yes, it will also add beauty to your yard, but this might not be worthwhile when its roots spread into your home’s foundations, crack your driveways, and block plumbing. Because of this, you should make sure that you keep any trees a safe distance from your home’s foundation to help avoid costly structural issues down the road.
Overloading Electrical Outlets
We’re all guilty of doing it, but you should never plug too many devices into one outlet, as it can cause the outlet to overheat, increasing the risk of fire and damaging your home’s wiring. This is serious stuff–overloaded outlets can weaken insulation, making your system vulnerable to shorts. As long as you reduce the load on each outlet, though, you should be able to ensure that any fire risks are mitigated, extending the life of your wiring.
Skipping HVAC Maintenance
Another thing you could be doing and therefore shortening the lifespan of your home is forgetting to maintain your HVAC system. This isn’t just about dusting, as we previously mentioned; it’s about keeping it running efficiently. When filters and ducts aren’t cleaned, the system has to work harder, wearing out parts faster, and if this gets left too long, you could have a pretty expensive repair job on your hands.
Ignoring Plumbing Leaks
At the time, leaky faucets and minor drips seem like minor issues, but they can cause significant damage over time, depending on where the water is falling. Unchecked leaks can lead to mold growth, warped floors, and even structural problems, none of which you want to be dealing with. Simply address these leaks promptly, as and when they arise, and you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run while potentially adding years to your home’s life.
Failing to Seal Windows and Doors
Windows and doors with unsealed gaps allow drafts and moisture inside, which not only wastes energy but can invite pests. Over time, these small openings make your HVAC system work in overdrive simply to maintain comfortable temperatures–that’s not good. So, properly sealing windows and doors isn’t just perfectionism, but it actively helps maintain a well-insulated home.
Leaving Exterior Paint Untouched
People often forget that paint is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, protecting surfaces from moisture and sun damage. This is because when paint begins to peel, the underlying material becomes exposed, leading to decay. All you need to avoid this is to regularly touch up or repaint exposed areas, and your home’s life could extend by years.
Ignoring Dryer Vent Cleaning
Previously, we mentioned how important it is to look after your HVAC system, but for dryers, this is even more important. Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard, and you don’t want to imagine what the worst-case scenario of this could be. On a less serious note, they also force the dryer to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and a shorter appliance lifespan. Your life and home will be so much easier if you keep on top of this, so don’t let it get out of hand.
Allowing Moss to Grow on the Roof
We can all agree that moss looks quaint, but it also traps moisture against the roof, leading to leaks and rotting shingles. Eventually, this moisture will seep into your roof structure, causing significant issues. As long as you regularly remove moss, though, your roof’s integrity will remain protected, and the risk of costly repairs and, more importantly, permanent damage will be greatly reduced.
Forgetting About Basement Maintenance
If you have a basement, you’ll know that they are prone to moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and even foundation damage if left unchecked. Therefore, a small leak can quickly become serious, potentially cutting years off the lifespan of your home. The solution is simple, though: regularly check for leaks and dehumidify the area to keep your basement dry.
Not Resealing Hardwood Floors
It’s a frustrating fact of life that hardwood floors lose their protective finish over time, which exposes them to scratches, moisture, and dirt. Without periodic resealing, these floors become more susceptible to damage, so it’s best to take care of it as soon as you can. With a fresh seal every few years, your hardwood will remain looking beautiful and resilient, and your home will last for a lot longer.
Avoiding Regular Carpet Cleaning
The final house-ruining mistake that you should avoid is a simple one: skipping out on cleaning carpets. Inevitably, carpets accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens, wearing down fibers and diminishing their appearance. With regular deep cleaning, this won’t be any more than a mild nuisance, but leaving it for weeks or months will cause the carpet fibers to become compacted, making them less resilient. So, take care of your carpet cleaning today, and you’ll most definitely thank yourself later.