Home Maintenance Prep: How Leaf Home Products Protect Your Home and Health 

In today’s busy world, home maintenance can slip through the cracks. But preparing for the unexpected is key to saving you time, money, and stress. Whether it’s dealing with nature’s unpredictability or ensuring a safe living environment, proactive planning is crucial. As one of America’s largest home improvement companies, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to support your efforts with innovative solutions designed to strengthen your home against unforeseen events.  

This article explores potential home risks and how LeafFilter and Leaf Home Water Solutions serve as your home’s first line of defense. Plus, we have a seasonal home maintenance checklist and want to introduce our new Home Safety Bundle with SimpliSafe to kickstart your home protection journey. 

Understanding the Risks 

Homes face a variety of challenges, including water damage, drinking water contamination, extreme weather, and security threats. Ignoring these risks can lead to significant financial and health issues. 

No matter where you live, the exterior of your home takes a beating. In the Northeast and Midwest, leaves and debris can clog gutters, while coastal areas endure the impact of salty winds on siding. Climate change has heightened the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, leading to increased home damage and rebuilding costs. 

Cost of Damage from Clogged Gutters 

Small issues like clogged gutters can quickly escalate into big problems. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home, preventing it from accumulating around the foundation. Standing water can result in extensive damage to the home and your health, including: 

• Basement flooding  
• Foundation damage
• Landscape erosion 
• Pest infestation 
• Mold and mildew growth 
• Leaking roof or siding 
• Heavy ice dams 
• Stained exterior 
• Sagging, cracked gutters 

Repair costs vary based on damage type and extent, with gutter repair costs averaging between $150 and $600. Water damage repairs can escalate quickly, averaging $3,815 per incident, according to HomeAdvisor. 

Water Contaminants Impact on Health 

Safe drinking water is crucial to our health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 85% of households rely on publicly regulated sources, while 15% use private wells. Contaminants like lead, chlorine, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals can infiltrate water supplies due to treatment issues or weather events. Post-hurricane, toxic chemicals and bacteria can linger in floodwater, posing long-term risks. 

Common Water Contaminants & Health Risks 

• Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.  
• Inorganic chemicals: Nitrates and nitrites are especially concerning to infants and kids and can cause “blue baby syndrome.”  
• Heavy metals: High amounts of lead, and arsenic can increase the risk of toxicity, organ damage, anemia, and cancer.  
• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ have become persistent in water supplies and are linked to an increased risk of cancers. 
• Disinfection byproducts: Water treatment can leave byproducts like trihalomethanes, which may result in health risks, including cancer.  

Importance of Safety & Security 

Homes are sanctuaries offering security and comfort. Burglaries can result in emotional trauma and financial loss. Implementing security measures like locks, cameras, motion sensors, and alarms can deter intruders and enhance peace of mind. Being prepared is not just about reacting to crises but proactively setting up defenses before they happen. 

Proactive Home Maintenance Tips 

Regular home maintenance is your best defense against unexpected issues. By regularly tackling small tasks, you can prevent them from escalating into costly problems. Here are some practical tips to help keep your maintenance routine on track: 

• Regular Inspections: Proactively check gutters and downspouts for water damage, pests, and mildew. Address these issues ASAP to prevent bigger problems. 
• Consistent Maintenance: Create a schedule for tasks like replacing water filters, changing air filters, and checking for leaks. Staying on top of these can help prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches. 
• Invest in Home Security: Installing a quality home security system is an affordable way to deter burglars and protect your home from potential threats.  
• Annual Water Testing: Whether your water source is city or well-based, test your water annually. A professional water test can uncover contaminant issues and guide your next steps. 

Leaf Home products integrate seamlessly into your routine, offering solutions to support and enhance your maintenance efforts. 

LeafFilter Gutter Protection 

Gutter clogs are more than a simple annoyance—they can lead to severe water damage. LeafFilter Gutter Protection’s innovative patented modular design is engineered to keep gutters clear of debris throughout the year. 

Here’s how LeafFilter benefits your home: 

• Prevents Water Damage: Ensures water flows freely, protecting your home from roof to foundation by allowing debris to dry and blow away. 
• Reduces Maintenance: Gutter cleaning is messy and time-consuming. With less time spent cleaning gutters, you can focus on what matters most to you. 
• Extends Gutter Life: Reduces wear and tear by eliminating the weight of debris, prolonging the lifespan of your gutters. 

LeafFilter has helped over two million customers in maintaining clog-free gutters, saving homeowners from costly repairs. Discover how LeafFilter can prevent water damage and protect your home. 

Leaf Home Water Solutions 

Clean water is vital for both health and home maintenance. Many contaminants are undetectable by sight, smell, or taste, posing health risks from skin rashes to serious illnesses. Poor water quality can also harm plumbing and appliances, particularly in areas with hard water. Hard minerals like calcium and magnesium cause limescale buildup, blocking pipes and increasing utility costs. 

Leaf Home Water Solutions provides tailored filtration systems to remove harmful contaminants, ensuring cleaner, safer water from every tap. 

• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Our under-sink RO systems filter out contaminants like lead and PFAS, delivering filtered water directly to faucets and refrigerators. 
• Ultraviolet Filtration: UV light neutralizes bacteria and viruses, offering chemical-free protection. 
• Softening Systems: Remove hardness-causing minerals to prevent buildup, protect pipes, and extend appliance life. Our dual system also treats taste and odor. 
• Advanced Filtration: Whole home water filtration addresses a range of water issues, from foul taste and odor to scale buildup and contaminants. With over 250 product combinations, our filtration solutions are tailored to your specific needs and budgets. 

Investing in whole home water filtration can protect your health, enhance appliance efficiency, and preserve plumbing systems. Schedule a home water test with Leaf Home Water Solutions and find out what’s in your water. 

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist 

Breaking your home maintenance tasks up throughout the year makes them more manageable. Certain appliances and parts of the home need attention at specific times. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to keep your home in optimal condition: 

Fall 

The mild, dry weather makes fall an ideal time for home projects: 

Exterior Tasks 

• Inspect the roof for leaks and the foundation for cracks 
• Winterize plumbing 
• Check motion sensor light batteries 

Interior Tasks 

• Ensure your HVAC system is ready for winter  
• Check the water heater for leaks 
• Service water filtration systems 
• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries 
• Inspect the fireplace. 

Winter 

Harsh weather can affect your home anywhere. Check off these winter tasks to help prevent issues: 

Exterior Tasks 

• Regularly check for ice dams on the roof and gutters 
• Salt driveways, steps, and walkways 
• Cover outdoor AC units and water tanks 

Interior Tasks 

• Clean mineral buildup from drains and faucets 
• Inspect for leaks in the basement and attic post-thaw 
• Test water for contaminants after storms 

Spring 

As temperatures rise, it’s time to prepare your home for spring: 

Exterior Tasks 

• Check roofing for loose, missing, or damaged shingles 
• Clean out gutters and downspouts 
• Wash windows and doors 
• Inspect outdoor water filtration systems 

Interior Tasks 

• Drain or flush the water heater 
• Clean and change air vents 
• Inspect water filtration systems 
• Service the HVAC system 
• Check for damaged windows and locks 

Summer 

Tackle these tasks early to enjoy the season: 

Exterior 

• Check decks for damage; seal if needed 
• Power-wash siding  
• Ensure gutters are clear of storm debris 

Interior 

• Maintain water filtration systems: clean resin tanks and refill salt 
• Test your water quality after heavy storms 
• Clean filters, vents, and exhaust fans 

Use this checklist to stay organized and safeguard your property. While you may be comfortable performing tasks yourself, consider hiring a professional when something is beyond your abilities. 

Comprehensive Protection with the Home Safety Bundle 

Leaf Home has teamed up with SimpliSafe to provide homeowners with a holistic solution for home security. SimpliSafe provides award-winning home security technology and monitoring to help protect from break-ins. Combining advanced security systems with some of Leaf Home’s products, the Home Safety Bundle delivers comprehensive home protection.  

New Leaf Home customers can claim a complimentary SimpliSafe security system, worth over $500 for a limited time.  

For more details on the bundle offer, check out the LeafFilter Bundle or Leaf Home Water Solutions Bundle.  

Secure Your Home’s Future with Leaf Home 

Leaf Home products are your first line of defense, offering protection against unexpected home challenges. By taking proactive steps today, you secure a safer, healthier living environment for tomorrow. Discover more about Leaf Home’s offerings and take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your home protection with the Home Safety Bundle. 

Stay prepared and protect your home and family with Leaf Home. Schedule a free consultation today!