PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TIPS
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TIPS
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, cracked, loose or missing shingles
- 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 fascias 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 rot
- Cut back shrubs and trees
- Check exterior masonry walls for cracks, looseness, missing or broken mortar
DOORS AND WINDOWS
To prevent air and weather penetration problems:
- Check caulking for decay around doors, windows, corner boards, joints
- Re-caulk and weatherstrip as needed
- Check glazing, putty around windows
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
Preventive maintenance:
- Drain exterior water lines, hose bibs, sprinkler system, pool equipment in the fall
- Draw off sediment in water heater annually or as per manufacturer instructions
- Have septic tank cleaned every 2 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 & filter, 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 shutoffs to heating system – gas valve & electrical disconnect
