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MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Site Grading:
The grade immediately adjacent to the house should slope approximately
one inch per foot for the first six feet away from the house (when
possible). This will allow stormwater to adequately drain away from
foundation. Extensions on down spouts can also help direct stormwater
away from the house.
- Roofing:
Roofs should be kept clean and clear of any debris build up which
could hold moisture and allow mold and mildew to deteriorate roof.
Have debris removed from all roof surfaces especially valleys and
gutters for free drainage of stormwater. Keep walking on the roof
to a minimum.
- Insulation:
Most heat escapes through the attic. Attics should be insulated to
R-31 to R-49 depending on your climate zone, type of heating and fuel
costs. This is about 11'' to 17” of fiberglass insulation. Some
newer homes have a tag stapled near the attic entrance identifying
the attic R- value. The cost of increasing the attic insulation is
approximately the saving in gas for one year.
- Windows/Doors/Penetrations:
Windows and doors should have weather-stripping that fits tightly
to keep drafts out. Doors bottoms should have a snug fit to threshold,
if not, a door sweep should be added to seal drafts. Holes around
any location where a wire, cable or pipes penetrates through a wall
should be sealed with caulking. Sealing these gaps can reduce heating
cost by as much as 30%.
- Water Heater:
To prevent sediment accumulation, every six months open the drain
valve at the bottom of the water heater, letting water run into a
bucket until it looks clear. You will need to drain about five gallons.
Most homes have the thermostat on the water heater set too high. If
you can't hold your hand under a stream of all hot water (about 120
degrees F) from any faucet without burning yourself, the thermostat
is set too high. It will save you money and it is much safer for your
family.
- Plumbing System:
Add an environmental safe cleaner to each drain occasionally for clog
prevention and check drain pipes for leakage and corrosion. Avoid
flushing any paper products other than toilet paper down toilets.
Repair costly drips - a steady drip can cost you more in water, plus
gas if it is dripping from the hot side, in a few months than the
cost to repair the drip.
- Heating Ducts:
Your heating ducts should be cleaned about every 5 years, this helps
keeps your furnace running cleaner and will increase unit life expectance.
Also make sure your ducts have no cracks or leaks in the ductwork
and add tape to duct joints where needed.
- Heater Air Filter:
Keep filters clean and change regularly. Dirty air filters make your
heater less efficient and work harder. Air filters should fit snugly
in the frame so no air passes around the filter. Some homes need filters
changed every month, some can go much longer. The reusable filter
type can be cleaned and are a good value and quality.
- Wood Stoves/Fireplaces:
Chimneys and flues should be cleaned and checked for soot and creosote
build-up at least annually (more frequently with heavy use). Clearance
to combustibles around wood stoves should be maintained at all times.
If there is any doubt about the safety of a wood stove or fireplace,
contact professional help immediately.
- Electrical System:
Minimize the number of appliances plugged into one circuit to prevent
power demand overload. Have the circuit breakers in the door of main
service panel labeled for the area they serve. If you do any work
on the electrical system turn the power off or call a professional
for help.
A1 Ski Home Inspection recommends that you seek professional help in
all home maintenance that you are not comfortable with or qualified
to perform. Also this is only a partial list of all the necessary maintenance
required in a home, maintenance needs will vary in each home.
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A1 Ski Home Inspection