Preventive Maintenance

FOUNDATION & MASONRY: Basements, Exterior Walls: To prevent seepage and condensation problems.

• Check basement for dampness & leakage after wet weather.
• Check chimneys, deteriorated chimney caps, loose and missing mortar.
• Maintain grading sloped away from foundation walls.
  

ROOFS & GUTTERS: To prevent roof leaks, condensation, seepage and decay problems.

• Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles, blisters.
• Clean gutters, leaders, strainers, window wells, drains. Be sure downspouts direct water away from foundation. Cut back tree limbs.
• Check flashings around roof stacks, vents, skylights, chimneys, as sources of leakage. Check vents, louvers and chimneys for birds nests, squirrels, insects.
• Check fascia's and soffits for paint flaking, leakage & decay.
  

EXTERIOR WALLS: To prevent paint failure, decay and moisture penetration problems.

• Check painted surface for paint flaking or paint failure. Cut back shrubs.
• Check exterior masonry walls for cracks, looseness, missing or broken mortar.
  

DOORS AND WINDOWS: To prevent air and weather penetration

• Check caulking for decay around doors, windows, corner boards, joints. Recaulk and weather-strip as needed. Check glazing, putty around windows.
• Repair or replace windows that show signs of interior glass pane condensation or deteriorating conditions.
  

ELECTRICAL: For safe electrical performance, mark & label each circuit.

• Trip circuit breakers every six months and ground fault circuit interrupters (G.F.C.I.) monthly.
• Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords & plugs. Replace at first sign of wear & damage.
• Check exposed wiring & cable for wear or damage.
• If you experience slight tingling shock from handling or touching any appliance, disconnect the appliance & have it repaired. If lights flicker or dim, or if appliances go on and off unnecessarily, call a licensed electrician.
  

PLUMBING: For preventive maintenance.

• Drain exterior water lines, hose bibs, sprinklers, pool equipment in the fall.
• Draw off sediment in water heaters monthly or per manufacturer's instructions.
• Have septic tank cleaned when applicable...i.e. a household of 4 people, with a 1,000 gallon tank can expect to have the tank pumped every 5 to 8 years.
  

HEATING & COOLING: For comfort, efficiency, energy conservation and safety.

• Change or clean furnace filters, air condition filters, electronic filters as needed.
• Clean and service humidifier regularly. Check periodically and annually.
• Have oil burning equipment serviced annually.
  

INTERIOR: General house maintenance.

• Check bathroom tile joints, tub grouting & caulking. Be sure all tile joints in bathrooms are kept well sealed with tile grout to prevent damage to walls, floors & ceilings below.
• Close crawl vents in winter and open in summer.
• Check underside of roof for water stains, leaks, dampness & condensation, particularly in attics and around chimneys.
  

Know the location of:

• Main water shutoff valve.
• Main electrical disconnect or breaker.
• Main emergency shutoff switch for the heating system.