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Periodically |
Spring |
Fall |
Annually |
| Foundation & Masonry: Basement, Exterior walls: To
prevent seepage and condensation problems |
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| a. Check basement for dampness and leakage after
wet weather |
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| b. Check foundation walls, steps, retaining walls,
walks, patios, driveways, garage floors, etc., for cracks heaving
and crumbling |
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| c. Check chimneys, deteriorated chimney caps, loose
and missing mortar |
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| d. Maintain grading sloped away from foundation walls |
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| Roofs and Gutters:
To prevent leaks, condensation, seepage and decay |
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| a. Check for damaged loose or missing shingles, blisters |
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| b. Check for leakage, misaligned or damaged gutters,
downspouts (Leaders), hangers (straps), gutter guards and strainers |
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| c. Clean gutters, leaders, strainers, window wells,
drains. Be sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. |
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| d. Cut back tree limbs growing on or over the roof. |
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| e. Check antenna supports for sturdiness and possible
source of leakage. |
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| f. Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, skylights,
chimneys for leakage. |
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| g. Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird's nests,
squirrels and insects. |
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| h. Check fascias and soffits for paint flaking, leakage
and decay |
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| Exterior Walls: To
prevent paint failure, decay and moisture penetration. |
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| a. Check painted surface for paint flaking and failure |
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| b. Check siding, shingles and trim for damage, looseness,
missing or broken mortar. |
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| c. Check exterior masonry walls for cracks, looseness,
missing or broken mortar. |
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| d. Cut back and trim shrubbery against sidewalls. |
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| Doors and Windows:
To Prevent air and weather penetration problems |
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| a. Check caulking and check fro decay around doors,
windows, corner boards, joints: re caulk as needed. |
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| b. Check glazing putty around windows. |
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| c. Check weather stripping. |
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| Electrical: For safe electrical performance |
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| a. Learn location of electrical panel box for breakers
or fuses. Never over fuse. |
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| b. Trip circuit breakers every six months, ground fault interrupts
monthly |
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| c. Mark and Label each circuit |
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| d. Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords and plugs. Replace
at first sign of wear and/or damage |
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| e. Check exposed wiring for wear or damage. |
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| f. If fuses blow or breakers trip regularly, call
a licensed electrician. |
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| g. If you experience a slight tingling shock from
handling or touching an appliance, disconnect the appliance and
have it repaired. If lights flicker or dim, or if appliances go
on or off unnecessarily, call a licensed electrician. |
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| Plumbing: For preventive maintenance. |
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| a. Check faucets, hose bibbs and valves for leakage. |
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| b. Drain exterior water lines, hose bibbs, sprinklers,
pool equipment in the fall. |
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| c. Check for leaks at sink and house traps and sewer
cleanouts. |
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| d. Draw off sediment in water heaters monthly or
per manufacturer's instructions. |
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| e. Have septic tank cleaned every two years. |
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| Heating & Cooling: For comfort, efficiency, energy conservation
and safety. |
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| a. Change/clean furnace filters, a/c filters, electronic filters
as needed. |
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| b. Clean and service humidifier. Check periodically and annually. |
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| c. Have oil burning equipment serviced annually. |
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| d. Clean around heating and cooling equipment, remove
leaves, dust, overgrown shrubbery, debris. Be sure power is off! |
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| e. On steam systems, blow off or drain low water cutoff per manufacturer's
instructions or instruction tag. |
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| Interior: General House maintenance |
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| a. Check bathroom tile joints, tub grouting and
caulking. Be sure all tile joints in bathrooms are kept well sealed
with tile grout to prevent damage walls, floors and ceilings below. |
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| b. To prevent freezing, keep garage doors closed
in winter; exposed water lines and drains should be wrapped with
insulation. |
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| c. Close crawl vents in winter and open in summer. |
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| d. Check underside of roof for water stains, leaks,
dampness and condensation, particularly in attics and around chimneys. |
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| e. Keep attic louvers and vents open all year round.
Check louver screening. |
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| Know the location of: |
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| a. Main water shut off valve |
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| b. Main electrical disconnect or breaker |
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| c. The main emergency shutoff for the heating system |
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