Spring Maintenance - sticky doors and windows

April showers bring... Sticky Doors?

So the cold is finally moving out. Spring is moving in. What is that old saying? "April showers bring May flowers." Those showers can also cause doors and windows to stick. The cold winter has more than likely caused damage to the wood. Then spring rains come along and the wood swells, causing doors and windows to stick because they are no longer the right size.This can be irritating and cause further damage.

What can you do for a sticky door or window?
*Many times, they are easy fixes. Start by marking where the door or window is sticking. Start with some sand paper and sand down the area a bit. Often, this is all you will need to do. If this doesn't help, you will need to take the door or window off. You will want to prop it securely on a flat surface. Use a hand plane (which can be bought at any hardware store) and remove any excess material. Start small- you don't want to remove too much. The door will shrink during the summer dry times and then the gap will be too wide. That won't help you much- and it will be much harder to fix! Some of you DIY lifers may want to go for that Power Plane- I would rethink that option. Usually a hand plane will be all the power you will need. (So stow your pride on this one!)
* You can often avoid the sticking in the first place by making sure you doors and windows are sealed with a good coat of paint- don't forget the top and the bottom. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it doesn't need protection!
   Keeping your home in good condition is a great way to keep your insurance costs down. Damage can lead to claims, which can lead to higher premiums, both with your current carrier and with other carriers when you decide to shop and possibly switch carriers. It makes no sense to pay higher premiums if you can avoid it!

If you have any questions or need a quote, please call 214-592-0859 or 1-877-987-8683
or  email us: Brockman Premier Insurance.
We would love to keep you insured!

Home Maintenance

Avoid Costly Repairs!

Seasonal maintenance will save you money and protect the investment in your home.  Most of the maintenance is easy and you can do it yourself:
* Check the charge and expiration date on your fire extinguishers. If they are far past the date, consider replacing them. You can purchase them for as low as $25. This would be a small price to pay for possibly saving your home.

* Vacuum your clothes dryer exhaust duct, refrigerator coils and air vents. This can extend the life of your appliances and also save you money. If you want a professional to do this for you, call North Texas Duct Cleaning.
* Test your smoke detectors. You should test your batteries monthly and replace them once a year. Keep them clean- cobwebs and dust can impair their sensitivity.
* Clean and re-seal the grout in your bathrooms and re-caulk all sinks, toilets and tubs. Mold and rot can cause great damage your insurance may not cover. If you have never done this type of work before, check out This Old House for D I Y tutorials.
* Clean your kitchen. Check for ways to clean and reseal your tile. Try this trick to check the seals on your refrigerator- Put a bill in the door and close it. If you can pull the bill out easily with the door closed, it is time to replace the seals on the door.
* Change your HVAC filters once a season. Reports show the air in your home maybe up to 5x worse than the air outside. If you have allergies, this can greatly improve your quality of life inside!
* Many of us do Spring Cleaning through our closets. How about the Pantry and Medicine cabinet? Throw out anything past the expiration date.  Food and Medicine left past expiration dates can rot, leak and smell.
If something is still good, but you know your family will not eat it, donate the items to a local area Food Bank.

Use these easy maintenance tips to keep your Home in the best shape possible for now, while you enjoy it.  And for later when you want to sell it.

Thanks for Reading!
Nancy Brockman

 As always, if you have questions or concerns about your Home, Auto or Commercial insurance, please call toll free 877-987-8683 or click:  http://www.wekeepuinsured.com/