As the song says, “From small things Mama, big things one morning will come.” This is especially true for your home. If left unattended, even minor issues, such as a leaking gutter or crumbly grout, can lead to more serious and costly problems. In many cases, a small amount of preventative maintenance or a simple repair can be enough to avoid disaster. “Don’t wait till it’s an emergency,” warns TOH master Carpenter Norm Abram. “Spot-check your home at least twice a year in fall and spring. Make sure you fix it correctly so you don’t make the problem worse.
Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of common household breakdowns.
Mildew on Foundation Walls
Potential problems: Roots that are too large can cause water to run down exterior walls and lead to sill rot and mold. Roots can also get into pipes and foundation walls.
Take care of it: Cut the shrubs by yourself. You can even replace them with dwarf varieties, which won’t require constant pruning. Planting in the fall is a great way to get shrubs established in cool, moist soil. You can save money by buying end-of-season plants at local garden centers, or organizing a swap. Roger Cook, TOH landscape contractor, says that new shrubs should be at least three feet away from the foundation. They will prevent siding from breathing.
As a preventive measure in early foundation, you can consult a foundation waterproofing service.
TOH Tips: This compact Japanese holly is a great choice for foundation plantings. It grows slowly and densely.
How you can save: It costs between $400 and $2,500 for a water-damaged foundation or sill.
Wood floors that are worn
Possible problem: Failure to maintain boards’ protective topcoat of polyurethane may lead to ground-in dirt or discoloration and wood drying out and splitting.
Repair it now: Sand the floor only and then apply polyurethane. This “screen and polish” job is usually charged at $1.25 per square feet by professionals. Or, you can rent a machine to do the job yourself and pay less. You can save money by returning the machine on time. Additional days rental fees could add up.
How much you will save: As high as $5 per square feet for a full-fledged restoration, which involves sanding the wood to its bare state. Cost depends on the age of the floors, how many top coats are needed and whether you use stain. Repairing damaged sections of dried-out wood can cost $125. This will vary depending on the extent of the damage and what type of floor you have.
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Weather-beaten Deck Boards
Potential problem If left unattended, loose outer rails and soft boards can cause deck collapse. You can check for cracks using a flathead screwdriver. If the wood feels soft or falls apart without splintering or is unable to be inserted more than 1/4 inch, it could indicate that you have rot. You can check if there is any flexibility by gently wiggling the rails.
Repair it now: Cut off any damaged boards. Use stainless deck screws to attach replacement boards to the supporting beams. For proper drainage, leave a gap of 1/8 inch between the new boards. You can stain the boards or keep them preserved to hide any damage. For extra strength, you can repair or replace any loose rails or balusters with new screws. Fix any loose bolts holding the rails’ posts in place to the deck framing. A few hours will be required to use a drill/driver, wrench, and saw. You can expect to pay approximately 60 cents per linear feet for pressure-treated decking, and $14 for a set of stainless screws. Both are available at home centers.
How much you can save: Prices starting at $500 and up to $10,000 depending on the extent of the damage.
