Home Maintenance Tips
Most of the damage to a home is caused by water or moisture. It is important to check the systems of a home to make sure water and moisture are kept away. Good maintenance practices will enhance the quality and value of your home.
Drainage
Determine if rain run off heads toward your home or if there is good drainage. Sometimes special drains may need to be installed to intercept and divert water.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters should be kept clean and well aligned to catch water run off from the roof. Make sure seams are well caulked and do not drip water. Downspouts should be unblocked and be able to direct water away from the foundation. A good time to check the system is during a heavy shower. Problems will present themselves.
Roofs
The roof's job is to protect the home from rain, sun, wind and to shed water. Water getting into your home can cause structural damage and expensive repairs. Make sure all plant debris is off the roof and out of valleys. If moss is forming on the surface, it should be treated. Moss holds moisture against the roof causing deterioration. Pressure washing is not always recommended. Older roofing materials and improper pressure could damage the roof and shorten it's life.
Check flashing around the chimney, flues, dormers and valleys. Look for excessive rust or improper installation and caulking.
Trim tree branches away from the roof and siding. This prevents structural damage from contact and opens the roof area to vent and keep dry. Moisture creates a conducive condition that causes fungal and insect infestation.
Note: Climbing a roof is hazardous. Proper repairs require training and experience. Call a certified roofer.
Siding
Wood siding should be well sealed to slow deterioration caused by sun and moisture. Paints and stains on wood create a good barrier. Check flashing around windows and doors. Composite siding made of cement or wood fiber should have open seams caulked to keep out moisture and insects. Keep plants from growing against siding. Plants can cause structural damage by entering openings and separate materials. They hold moisture against the siding and make it difficult to paint and do maintenance.
Also check vents to crawl space and attic to make sure they are not blocked or have damaged screening.
Chimney
It is recommended to install a rain cap / animal screen on top of flues. Burn dry wood at high temperature to decrease the amount of creosote buildup. Creosote needs to be swept out periodically by a professional chimney sweep every few years, depending on the amount of wood you burn. Check your fireplace damper to make sure it's operational. Inspect the fiber gasket on the air tight wood stove door. Replace the gasket material if damaged.
Furnace and Heaters
Heat pumps, gas and oil furnaces should be serviced every year. Filters should be replaced twice a year.
Electrical forced air wall heaters should be kept clean and unblocked.
Exterior heat pump compressors should not have shrubs or bushes within 30" of the unit to allow proper ventilation.
Electrical System
It is important, if you think there is a problem with the electrical system, that a licensed electrician be called to check and make repairs.
G.F.C.I.- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter shuts off power from the electrical outlet as soon as there is a variation in electrical flow. It is sensitive and fast. G.F.C.I. outlets should be tested often to determine if they are working properly. To test, push the button marked "test". The "reset" button should pop out and stops the current in the outlet. Now push the "reset" button and the power should come on. If the power fails to shut off, have an electrician replace the unit. They are recommended for use in bathrooms, kitchen, garage and exterior outlets.
Plumbing
Know how to turn off the water to the house in case of an emergency.
Hot Water Tank - It is recommended to drain a few gallons of water from the drain valve every year to remove sediment that may be building up in the tank. Hot water tanks should be grounded.
Toilet - If water continues to run in the tank after it is filled, the inner valve mechanisms may need replacing.
Tubs and Showers - It is important to keep grout joints around tiles sealed and caulked. Also replace any old cracked caulking around the rim of the tub where it joins the wall and between the tub and floor. This is important because a leak can rot your bathroom floor.
Cloths Washer - Make sure the hose connections are secure to the supply faucets and drain. It is recommended to replace old or cracked rubber hoses with hoses made of flexible reinforcing metal.
Crawl Space
Once a year check the crawl space for leaks coming from plumbing lines and fittings. Leaks can be found by looking for signs of water on the plastic vapor barrier on the ground.
Look for insulation that has fallen from the floor joists.