Home Maintenance Tips: Exteriors
Roofing Penetrations:
Need Periodic re-sealing with approved sealant.
(Recommend you Hire a professional or qualified handyman to perform this Maintenance).
Such as: Furnace/Water heater Exhaust vent pipes, Chimney/Roof Flashings, Solar panel Mounts, Plumbing vent pipes (pictured Below)
Roofs should Be kept clear of debris to drain properly:
Keep Tree branches from touching roof and make sure all fallen leaves and debris are cleared from roof each year before rain season.
Rain Gutters & Downspouts:
(Recommend you Hire a professional to perform this cleaning)
Require cleaning to drain roof water and downspouts should be directed away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can cause wood fascia board damage.
Solar Panels:
Need Cleaning to perform as intended at least twice per year. Skylights also need periodic cleaning and maintenance.
(Recommend you Hire a professional to perform this cleaning)
(Window cleaning companies can perform this maintenance)
Windows & Doors
Need periodic maintenance as dirt and debris can get stuck in tracks and mechanical parts that may cause damage to hardware and seals.
(Window cleaning companies can perform this maintenance.)
Exterior walls/Windows/Doors
Need to be weather tight always. Approved exterior Caulking between all surfaces needs to be maintained to keep moisture out of the building.
(This is a DIY or Handyman Maintenance).
Lawn Sprinklers:
Do Not Water Your House! Water Your Lawn.
Often sprinkler heads are spraying the siding/windows and doors. This condition will accelerate wear and tear of the materials. Excessive over spraying to siding materials may result in moisture entering your exterior walls/interior walls which may lead to MOLD!
Siding Too Ground Clearance:
Keeping soil away from your siding is important, often landscaping is in contact with siding. Vegetation contains moisture and so does soil. Moisture is the enemy when it comes to all building materials.
(This is a DIY or Handyman Maintenance).
Negative Grade:
This condition is when your walkways or landscaping is sloped toward your homes foundation. This condition can cause water ponding around foundation and possible moisture intrusion into foundation.
(This is a DIY or Handyman Maintenance).
Plumbing System:
Water Pressure needs to be regulated, there is nothing good about high water pressure besides how good it feels on your body when showering.
High water pressure can lead to several plumbing system defects such as running toilets, leaking faucets, leaking water heater TPR valves etc. Worst case scenario is pipe leaks in your home. You can purchase a pressure gauge at any home store. I recommend testing water pressure annually. (This is a DIY or Handyman Maintenance).
(Good water pressure reading on gauge Pictured above).
If your pressure is higher than 75 PSI you should call a qualified plumber to further evaluate your water pressure regulator to see if adjustment or replacement is necessary.
Tank Water Heaters:
If your water heater is newer between 1-7 years old you should flush the tank annually. If your water heater is older it is probably best not to flush it as you may cause more harm than good to the tank such as leaks which means you may need to replace it.
(This is a DIY or Handyman Maintenance or you can hire a qualified plumber).
Tankless Water Heaters:
The manufacturers typically recommend a service plan for these types of water heaters. Recommend contacting the manufacturer of your water heater to find out what they recommend for servicing the unit.
(Recommend you Hire a qualified plumber to perform this servicing).
HVAC System Filter Maintenance:
As a home owner, you should be aware of your HVAC system air filter(s), Depending on the size of your home you may have more than one. You should be aware of where you filter(s) are located and change the filter every 2-3 months’ maximum for a standard size filter. If you have a media filter (large thick filter) you should replace every 6-12 months. A dirty filter can cause your HVAC system to shut down typically at the most inconvenient time.
(Filter changing is a DIY maintenance)
Standard type filter pictured. Recommend replacing 2-3 months.
Media Filter Pictured. Recommend replacing 6-12 Months.
HVAC System Heating & Cooling Maintenance:
HVAC systems have many components that work together and require periodic maintenance to keep the system performing as intended.
Recommend having a service set up with your local HVAC company for scheduled maintenance at least once per year.
(This service should only be performed by a qualified licensed HVAC professional contractor.)
Outdoor AC condensing Unit Pictured
Forced air furnace pictured typically located in attic, garage or hall closet.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide detectors:
Recommend that you test your detectors monthly. You can do this with most detectors by pressing the test button for a few seconds. Recommend you purchase combo smoke and carbon detectors to extra protect your family.
Combo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector.
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