In Florida, storms come and go throughout the year, but they’re especially frequent during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30). Prevent storm damage by performing year round home maintenance. Here are just a few preventive home maintenance tasks that can help you avoid repairs, save money in the long run and keep your home healthy and safe:

Clean your gutters and downspouts

In Florida, rain is a very common occurrence and if your gutters are clogged, you could have a large problem on your hands. Dirt, rocks, sticks and leaves can build up in your gutters and cause severe damage. Thoroughly clean your gutters, including the downspouts, at least twice a year. After all the buildup and debris is cleared, run your garden hose through your gutters, examine for leaks and cracks and make repairs if necessary.

Inspect your roof and skylights for cracks or damage

Small cracks might just need a tiny bit of sealant but if you let them go without repair, they could become a major issue. Consider having your roof inspected by a reputable roofer at least once a year.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

The best times of year to test these are when you change your clocks forward and back for daylight savings time. But if you forgot, there’s no time like the present to test them and replace their batteries, if necessary.

Tip: Use batteries with a power gauge on them so you can easily determine when your batteries are running low and need to be replaced.

Prune trees and shrubs

Removing dead branches and trimming trees around your home can help prevent large branches from falling on your home during a severe storm. Keep trees trimmed and remove dead branches regularly.

Check weather stripping around doors or windows

Weather stripping can help keep your home at the temperature you set on your thermostat and prevent extra moisture and pests from coming in. Check the weather stripping around your doors and windows twice a year.

Keeping up with your home maintenance can prevent larger problems from happening. Create a home maintenance calendar so you can easily remind yourself of tasks you need to perform regularly. Share any home maintenance tips or tricks you use below.