7 Home Maintenance Tips

Your home is likely one of your biggest investments. A little upkeep goes a long way toward protecting it. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property looking its best but also helps you catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs or claims. Here are seven simple habits to keep your home in great shape all year long.

1. Keep Tree Branches Trimmed Away from Your Roof

Trees add shade, beauty, and value to a property, but branches that hang over your roof can cause real trouble. Falling leaves can clog gutters and trap moisture that leads to wood rot, while the weight of limbs and debris can wear on your roof over time. Branches brushing against shingles can strip them, and limbs growing close to the house give squirrels and other critters an easy path into your attic. In a storm, an overhanging or diseased limb can come down on your roof or power lines.

The best approach is to trim branches before they extend over the roof. If a limb already hangs over your home, removal takes extra care — and it’s often a job for a professional. Call a certified arborist or tree removal service when branches are higher than you can safely reach, when your roof is steeply sloped, or any time you’re not fully confident handling power tools at height. If you do tackle small limbs yourself, never work alone, wear eye protection, and use a rope to guide branches down so they don’t damage the roof or hurt anyone below.

2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters send water spilling over the sides, where it can rot fascia boards, damaged siding, and pool around your foundation. Clear leaves and debris at least twice a year or more often if you have overhanging trees and make sure downspouts direct water well away from the house.

3. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Look for loose, cracked, or missing shingles, and check the flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps. Addressing small issues promptly helps prevent leaks during heavy rain and extends the life of the roof.

4. Seal Windows and Doors

Gaps around windows and doors let conditioned air escape and let moisture and pests in. Check the weatherstripping and caulking each year and reseal as needed. It’s an inexpensive fix that improves comfort and lowers energy bills.

5. Service Your HVAC System

Replace air filters regularly and schedule professional maintenance at least once a year. Clean, well-maintained systems run more efficiently, last longer, and are far less likely to fail when you need them most.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check every detector in your home, replace the batteries, and confirm each one is in working order. It takes just a few minutes and is one of the most important safety steps you can take.

7. Know Your Water Shutoff and Watch for Leaks

Locate your main water shutoff valve so you can act fast if a pipe bursts or a leak develops. Periodically check under sinks, around appliances, and near your water heater for drips or moisture. Catching a small leak early can save you from major water damage.

Consistent maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your home and avoid unexpected repairs. And when the unexpected does happen, the right coverage makes all the difference.

A little care goes a long way towards protecting your home all season. For more tips or to review your coverage, visit www.cabgen.com.

We recommend confirming your access to the Policyholder Portal so you’re ready to review your coverage or file a claim. Create or access your account at www.cabgen.com and click “Policyholder Login.”