HOLIDAY HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS 

11/11/2022

The end of the year is approaching and, at this time, many families prepare their bags to travel and enjoy the holidays. Many choose the coast as a destination to enjoy days of rest and fun. 

For you to spend this period in the best possible way and avoid headaches or setbacks, we’ve separated some tips to help you get your hands dirty and prepare the house for the family vacation. Check out: 

HOW DO I FIX LEAKS? 

Leaks are common in any type of residence and usually cause major problems due to the waste of water and also for causing possible damage to furniture and the structure of the house. Therefore, it is very important to quickly identify any problems related to this to avoid unnecessary expenses. 

If you identify a faucet leak, for example, you need to: 

 
1st) Check if everything is tightened correctly. 

2) With the help of pliers, tighten all the threads on the faucet and then check if the leak has stopped. 

3rd) If the leak continues, it means that there is a problem related to the seals of the structure. To repair this seal, remove the location where the faucet handle and the fastener (used to open and close the water flow) are positioned. There you will find a rubberized part that needs to be replaced. 

Now, if you find a leak in the visible pipes, you need to: 

 
1st) Turn off the water valve and cut the piece of pipe where there is an apparent leak. 

2) Then, use two running gloves and a piece of pipe that is approximately three centimeters smaller than the piece you cut earlier. 

3º) Position a sliding sleeve at each end of the pipe to make an amendment and then slide the sleeves until they cover the pipes that were installed on the wall. Thus, you will create a water passage that is safe and will prevent leaks. 

 
If the leak is found at the pipe joints and connections: 

 
1st) Cut the pipe as close as possible to the part that is defective. 

2) Then install the new part. And, if by chance the pipe is not the required size, use the pipe pieces and sliding sleeves to extend the length of your pipe. 

To fix leaking pipes that are in the wall or in the ground, the procedure is the same. The difference is that identifying this type of leak is a little more difficult, as it is not possible to see.  

Once the location of the leak is identified, it is necessary to break the wall or floor so that it is possible to reach the leak. And after that carry out the repair. 

HOW TO REMOVE MOLD FROM THE WALL? 

 
In warmer and more humid places where there is not good air circulation and light, it is common for mold to appear. This species of fungus covers the most different types of surfaces such as furniture, books, clothes, shoes, books and walls. 

 
In addition to leaving the environment looking dirty, mold brings several health risks. This is because the spores it produces spread through the air, aggravating cases of asthma and respiratory allergies, in addition to transmitting bacteria that cause serious infections to the body. Therefore, if you identify any wall with mold in your holiday home, it is necessary to clean it.  

 
To clean a moldy wall, you will need: 

– Water; 

– Germicidal bleach; 

– Bucket; 

– Brush with hard bristles or sponge; 

– Rubber gloves; 

– Mask; 

– Protective goggles; 

– Damp cloth. 

Then just follow this step by step: 

1st) To begin with, check that the windows are wide open so that the place is ventilated and well lit. 

2) Germicidal bleach has a strong odor and can even cause allergies and breathing problems. So put on all the items for your protection and safety (rubber gloves, goggles and mask). 

3) Then, mix the water with germicidal bleach in a bucket. The recommended ratio is 1/3 bleach to one part water. 

4) Then, with the help of a brush or sponge, spread and rub the solution on the wall over the mold spots. 

5º) To finish, use a damp cloth to rinse and then dry the wall well to remove moisture. 

WALL PAINTING 

 
If you decide to paint the walls of the beach house, buy paints that are more appropriate for that region. 

On the beaches there is sea air, a mixture of water particles and chemical substances that cause the appearance of mold in various parts of the house when the properties are left without ventilation for a long time. 

 
In physical stores and also online, you can find paint options that are resistant to sea air and mold, lasting much longer. Therefore, it is worth investing in these paints that will make it difficult for mold to form. In addition, it is also possible to use a waterproofing agent on all walls or even an acrylic mass that helps block the effects of the sea air. 

GUTTER AND ROOF 

 
Before and after vacations and the rainy season, clean the gutters and flashings and, if necessary, replace damaged parts. 

On the roofs, detect broken tiles, cracks in the mass that fixes the ridge, check the condition of the woodwork and the state of the blanket. This maintenance prevents infiltrations. 

HOUSE CLEANING 

 
Upon arriving at your vacation home, the first thing to do is to open the doors, curtains and windows wide, letting the air circulate. 

These houses are usually closed most of the year, accumulating a lot of dust and insects. 
 

Once everything is wide open and airy, it’s time to start cleaning. Remove all dust from furniture, cabinets and objects. Clean the floor well and wipe everything with a damp cloth. 

Double your attention when cleaning mattresses, sofas and cabinets, which can serve as a hiding place for insects such as spiders, for example. 

Some animals are harmless, while others can transmit serious diseases or cause other damage. So it’s worth even booking a fumigation during this period. 

LIKE THESE TIPS? 

 
By following our recommendations and carrying out all of these maintenance procedures, you will be able to enjoy your vacation days with your family by the sea with more peace of mind and comfort. 

Remembering that on our blog we have a special tab with more repair tips. Always keep an eye out here and on our social media so you don’t miss anything. 

 
Also, so that you always have the necessary materials at hand to start any renovation, construction and gardening project, visit the Foxlux website and the Famastil website.