Photos: Stinson Services
Discover methods for maintaining and sustaining your home.
Building or renovating a home often focuses on design and aesthetics, but what happens once the dust settles? Experts agree that regular maintenance is essential to keep your home looking as stunning as the day you moved in. These practical tips can help you protect your investment for years to come.
Flooring
We are hard on our floors, regardless of what they are made of. Sturdy materials like tile don’t require as much care and maintenance, however hard flooring and carpet are another story.
Carpet should be vacuumed weekly in both directions in order to remove as much dust, dirt and dander as possible. According to Nick Larson, owner of Edina’s Tradition Flooring, the most expensive vacuum will typically beat up your carpet. “When in doubt, less power is better,” Larson says. It feels counterintuitive, but low power suction will still be effective without untwisting the carpet. In addition to vacuuming regularly, it’s recommended to professionally steam clean carpets every 12–18 months.
Hard flooring like wood, luxury vinyl planking or laminate can take a bit more traffic. To keep these types of floors sparkling, use a pH-neutral cleaner to lightly dampen the surface weekly. Larson says, “When it comes to hard surfaces, moisture is the worst thing for it.” He recommends a gentle cleaner, such as Bona. Larson also advocates for felt furniture pads to prevent scratching and house slippers to keep oils off the flooring.
Counters
Countertops often steal the show—whether made from beautiful products or spacious enough for groups to gather and cook—they’re often central to the home. Garret Bluhm at CounterTech knows that caring for your countertop can vary based on the material it’s made from, however Bluhm shares a few steps homeowners should take regardless of the stone type.
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- Photos: CounterTech
It’s often a general misconception that sealing natural stone counters is a hassle. “It does take some effort, but it pays dividends toward keeping harmful microorganisms off your stone and preventing staining,” Bluhm says. Sealing countertops should generally occur once per year, but can vary, so a drip test may illustrate if it’s needed yet or not.
Sprinkle water on the counter. “The water should immediately bead up,” Bluhm says. Wait 15 minutes, and check the water droplets. If the water is still present on the counter, your granite does not need to be sealed. If, however, the water has soaked into the stone, leaving behind dark marks, you should consider applying a granite sealant. Once the stone dries out, the small stains left behind from the water test will disappear.
Bluhm emphasizes the importance of waterproofing. “Whether at the intersection of the countertop and the backsplash or the rim of an undermount sink, that silicone is the only thing standing between your kitchen and mold,” he says. He advises keeping the silicone fresh and using 100 percent silicone for any surface exposed to water. While faucets often have built-in rubber gaskets, not all do. “Check inside the sink cabinet underneath the countertop to see if any water is getting through. It can get through the sink, behind the countertop [and] through the faucet holes,” he says. “If it’s the faucet, call a plumber. If it’s the sink, resealing may be needed, and CounterTech can help.”
Preventative maintenance doesn’t stop there. Bluhm encourages homeowners to use placemats, cutting boards (or even better, a butcher block) and coasters to save your counters from tough situations.
Roofing
Having a sturdy roof is fundamental to a good home, but often they are out of sight, out of mind. Heidi Stinson at Edina’s Stinson Services says asphalt shingles are a common and cost-effective option. “They offer durability and ease of installation,” Stinson says. Asphalt provides protection against hail and wind and withstands harsh winters. This type of roofing requires periodic inspection for loose or damaged shingles, particularly after storms.
Roof prior to repair. Photo: Stinson Services
Metal roofing is a long-lasting solution, with lifespans of 40–70 years, and can also tolerate winter weather. While it’s not impervious to hail, aesthetically it can start to dimple. “However, it’s a robust material,” Stinson says. Although low-maintenance, metal roofing should be checked for scratching or corrosion to prevent rusting. Less common options like wood shakes and clay or slate tiles require unique care, as they are susceptible to risks, such as moss, mildew and insects. Regardless of the material, professional help is always a good idea. “Scheduling a professional inspection before and after winter can help identify and address small issues before they turn into costly repairs,” she says. Seasonal cleaning of gutters and downspouts is crucial to ensure proper drainage for rainfall and melting snow. Roof rakes can safely remove excess weight during winter to reduce the risk of ice dams.
Stinson Services
7391 Bush Lake Road; 952.933.4510
Tradition Flooring
612.268.2224
CounterTech
855.732.9537
