Aug 31in GENERAL
Fall Checklist
Purchasing a new home can be exciting but requires a lot of maintenance to avoid complications.
Below is a checklist we advise homeowners to use for their seasonal inspections.
Fall Checklist
The following is general information and homeowner maintenance items that you, as a homeowner, are responsible for. By initiating timely inspections and preventative maintenance, costly and serious damage can be avoided.
Gutters
Clean out built-up dirt and debris. Caution! Do not flush debris into down spout outlets, as it will clog underground drain tile (pipe). Once gutters are cleaned, down spouts and related drain tile can be flushed.
Siding
Inspect siding for early signs of mildew or fungus growth. Clean affected areas in accordance with the paint manufacturer’s procedures and material requirements. Trim plant growth away from siding to promote surface drying and to protect the siding from damage caused by branches scraping against the surface. Check caulking at siding joints, corners, around windows, doors, and vent trim for signs of cracking. Clean and re-caulk with an appropriate paintable exterior caulk.
Yard Drains
Rock swales and catch basins serving to channel lot surface water should be checked weekly during rainy times and monthly during dry times an cleaned of debris to promote unobstructed water flow. Rock swales easily clog with beauty bark materials. A high-pressure hose can effectively clean out the system. If severely clogged, removal of the rock and retrenching may be required.
Landscape Care
Sprinkler systems should be drained and flushed with the coming seasonal change. Failure to do so could result in freeze damage. Leaves left on lawn areas can smother and kill the grass. Rake leaves and storm debris at least weekly.
Plumbing
During abnormally cold or prolonged periods of freezing weather conditions (Arctic freezes), it is advisable to trickle water from interior plumbing valves. Typically, such water movement will prevent water service lines from freezing. Pay particular attention to sinks, tubs and showers with service lines located on outside walls. Frozen pipes will not leak until thawed. If a service line is frozen, call a professional plumber to thaw the pipe and initiate repairs if necessary. Should a leak appear, shut off the supply valve to the house and open other working valves to drain as much of the system as possible.
Furnace
Prior to the start of the heating season, check the filter in the furnace, and clean or replace as necessary. Filters are located within the furnace unit and/or behind return air grills. If a “no heat” situation occurs, refer to your Owner’s Manual for self-repair and reset instructions. Only after such efforts should one call the heating subcontractor responsible for the warranty on your furnace. Thermostats should be set at a minimum of 63 degrees at any given period. Drastic temperature fluctuations can cause problems with finished surfaces in your home (i.e. oak floors and gypsum wall board).
Electrical
Power outages can potentially trip circuits and G.F.I. outlets. Refer to your reference system manuals and panel box information for self-repair instructions. Surge protection equipment should be installed on devices subject to damage from power surges (i.e., VCR’s, stereos, computers, etc.) Smoke alarms need to be vacuumed at regular intervals to remove dust.