Keeping your house clean, well-maintained, and pest-free helps avoid more costly issues later. It also helps maintain a healthy and safe environment, reducing your risk of potentially injury. Responsible home ownership means spending several hours every week taking care of the small details that tend to pile up. From your driveway to your roof—ensure your efforts add to the value of your property. Here are seven essential home maintenance hacks you can do to keep your home in tip top shape:

1. Prevent an expensive roof repair
A roof leak can be a very expensive problem to fix. It can damage your home (inside and out) and make it difficult to sell, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs, depending on the size of the leak and the materials required for repair. However, it’s easy to prevent leaks before they happen with some simple maintenance. Have your roof inspected by a professional to check for any cracks or holes in your roof or facets. Note any signs of wear and tear, do your best to keep flat roofs clear of weather and debris, replace any damaged roof vents, and remove and replace damaged shingles. 

2. Seal and fill foundation cracks
If you notice any cracks or holes in your foundation, you should have them fixed immediately. This is the first place for water and pests (i.e., mice, bats, etc.) to get inside your home. Ignored cracks in your foundation can also lead to ice damage or mold and mildew. Sealing new cracks with polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk will prevent water from getting inside the structure and can keep your home safe.

3. Improve timeworn windows
Windows are a very important part of your home. They allow in light and can keep out bad weather. However, they can also be very expensive to replace, so it’s important to ensure they’re in good condition. If your windows are faulty, they may not be able to withstand the weather or other problems that can occur. Consider repairing minor issues—such as patching ripped screens, spraying windows that skip and stick with silicone lubricant, and replacing broken hinges—to prevent a costly window replacement later on. 

4. Clean dirt and mildew from siding
Dirt and mildew can cause problems when they build up in your home. Mildew can cause your siding to rot, while dirt can lead to mold and mildew. You should consider cleaning your siding regularly and using a high-quality sealant or paint to prevent these problems from occurring again. You should also schedule regular roof, gutters, and chimney maintenance to keep the house safe from leaks.

5. Fix scuffs and dents in flooring
If you have ceramic, wood, or tile floors in your home, you should look into fixing dents, cracks, and scuffs. These problems can cause dirt to get trapped in the cracks and cause larger scale damage that’s difficult to repair. You can also look into replacing old pieces of broken flooring with new pieces made from a high-quality material that won’t scratch easily.

6. DIY driveway sealing
If your driveway is rough or full of potholes, you should look into DIY driveway sealing. This process involves applying a sealant that will protect the concrete or asphalt from cracking and lead to a smoother surface. An even driveway will also prevent rainwater from building up and causing damage to your home’s foundation. All weather driveway sealants protect the driveway from rain, snow, and ice.

7. Patch holes in drywall
If you have a hole in your drywall, it could cause water to leak inside your home. You can fix this problem by patching the drywall with a special compound. It’s important to do this as soon as possible because if you wait too long, the water could damage the wall and make it more likely that water will get into your house. It’s also important to ensure the patch is completely sealed so no moisture gets behind damaged drywall and causes further damage.