Home Maintenance

You’ll learnHow a septic tank separates sludge, scum and effluent, and why solids left to accumulate eventually clog the drain field soil

You’ll learnWhy chalking and fading alone are largely cosmetic, while cracking, peeling or bubbling paint means the surface is no longer sealed

You’ll learnWhat failing gutters actually damage: foundations that settle as water pools, rotted fascia and soffit, and damp basements or crawl spaces

You’ll learnWhy subterranean termites thrive in coastal conditions, and how sandy or low-lying soil changes how water moves around a foundation

You’ll learnWhere the 1% rule breaks down: a home's age, its climate exposure, and the deferred maintenance you inherited at purchase

You’ll learnHow a clogged air filter restricts airflow, freezes the evaporator coil and strains the blower, and how often filter type dictates changing it

You’ll learnDirectional lifespan ranges by material — three-tab and architectural asphalt, metal, tile, wood shake, and low-slope systems

You’ll learnWhich spring tasks catch winter's damage: HVAC service before cooling season, gutter clearing, roof and flashing inspection, and exterior caulking

You’ll learnWhere water gets into a house: roof and gutters, grading and exterior seals, supply lines and water heater, appliance connections, humidity

You’ll learnHow coastal prep breaks into four phases: May pre-season work, in-season standby, a five-day storm countdown, and the first 72 hours after