The importance of home maintenance cannot be stressed enough! People of all ages and backgrounds are often so busy with work and school that they neglect the upkeep of their homes. A little upkeep can make a significant difference in your home’s value and appeal: it will prolong the lifespan of the foundation and roof, reduce potential health risks like mold and weather damage, and help avoid more costly issues later on.

Here are seven home maintenance hacks that will keep your home safe, sound and looking its best:

1. Fix scuffs and dents in flooring
Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpeting in your home, repairing minor scuffs and dents on the surface can prevent costly repairs down the road. You can fix small scuffs and dents with a carpet knife or putty knife; larger ones may be fixable with a stapler.

2. Seal and fill foundation cracks
If you notice cracks in your home’s foundation, it’s probably a good idea to seal them as soon as possible. Foundation cracks can cause moisture to seep into your home, which can attract termites and mold. Seal foundation cracks with polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk.

3. Improve timeworn windows
Avoid costly repairs to your windows with a little upkeep, such as fixing ripped screens and spraying windows that skip and stick with silicone lubricant. If your windows leak, you can easily with an airtight sealant.

4. Clean dirt and mildew from siding
Cleaning the dirt and mildew off your siding prevents water damage and mold, and can improve the appearance of your home. A pressure washer can remove dirt, mildew, and stains from your siding and is an especially effective tool during the spring or summer months when mildew is prevalent.

5. Prevent an expensive roof repair
Damage from standing water, hail or snow can be detrimental to your roof over time. You might be surprised to find out that most roof damage can be avoided by ensuring that your gutters are cleaned, trimming trees, and getting a roof inspection. This will prevent a costly roof replacement.

6. DIY driveway sealing
While you might not think of your driveway as an aspect of your home, sealing cracks and chips on driveways can help prevent water damage and standing water next to the foundation and cement. If a cracked driveway is falling apart, use a texture spray sealer to make it look new.

7. Patch holes in drywall
Sometimes, holes in drywall can be patched with new drywall, but other times they can be too big to patch. If the hole is small, you can try filling it with joint compound and sanding it smooth. If it’s large or penetrates the wall’s surface, you’ll need to remove the damaged drywall, patch the hole over, and apply new drywall.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your home, keep up with preventative maintenance, or maintain the appearance of your home by repairing small chips and cracks, these hacks can be accomplished with relatively little time, cost, and effort. Take some time to get yourself acquainted with these home maintenance hacks and make your home a safer place for everyone who lives there.