When you think of wear and tear in the home, what do you think of? Many people think of their appliances, or their furniture. Here are a few areas around the house that may not come to mind at first.
The Roof
Your roof probably gets the most wear and tear in your house, and yet a lot of people seldom think about it. Not only is your roof standing up against all the weather and climate chaos around you, but it’s also battling wind, debris, and other critters to keep you safe.
The average life expectancy of a roof is 25-50 years, but that will vary widely depending on the type of material your roof is made out of. Quality material goes a long way in making a roof last.
It’s good to check your roof regularly and inspect it for damage. Even though a roof may look integrally sound, even a small opening can become a hideout for critters looking to escape the elements.
The Driveway
Your driveway is one of the first things people will see when they view your home. But regular use and heavy traffic can take a toll on the paving in your driveway. Because it sustains heavy traffic, driveway paving is important to maintain. Worn or damaged pavement can appear faded and cracked. Cracked pavement is susceptible to water damage and erosion. Try inspecting your pavement at least once a year to see if it’s holding together.
Carpets
And speaking of heavy traffic, your driveway isn’t the only place that will see it! Your carpets and floors will also see heavy traffic. Heavy foot traffic, that is. The average life expectancy of carpet is about five years. But if you have kids and/or pets, this number will usually decrease. Carpet lifespan will also be shortened due to dirt stains, food spills, and the like.
Carpets are especially hard to maintain because they’re hard to clean. Even regular vacuuming doesn’t remove all the dirt, and rare is the owner who will invest in routine carpet shampoos. So even if you’re the type to treat your carpet nicely, the chances of it staying in mint condition for over five years are low.
There’s plenty of nooks and crannies in your home, but not all space is used equally. It’s definitely a good idea to keep an eye out on some spaces and monitor them for damage.
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