Fall Maintenance

October

• Attic, this is best done on a wet day using a flashlight. (Wear a dust mask, stay on the rafters)
  • Inspect for water penetrating the roof, pay attention to the area around the chimney and vent pipes.
  • Check for critters and any damage they may have done to the electrical system.
  • Gable vents should be covered with wire mesh and fly screen.
  • If you have a whole house fan it should be covered with an insulated blanket. (Hot water tank blankets work well)
• Water heater, drain 10 to 12 gallons of water to help clean out sediment.
  • Tank-less water heaters must be cleaned using vinegar at least once a year, check owner’s manual for details.
• Dryer vent, clean lint from pipe and check operation of exterior vent.
• Heating, check flame color on furnace (should be blue after 2 minutes)
• Humidifier, should be cleaned according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Fireplace, look up chimney and check for obstructions (bird’s nests, etc.)
  • make sure damper works.
• Log stoves, scrap and clean interiors.
  • Check exterior for cracks.
  • Gaskets should be inspected, and replaced if worn or damaged.
  • Catalytic converters should be cleaned, (replaced every 4 years)
• Gutters, use care when positioning the ladder.
  • Remove debris from gutters and downspouts. (Use a wire snake on downspouts)
  • Check gutter and downspouts alignment, be sure rainwater drains. Splash blocks should be in position under all downspouts.
  • Check for leaks on the joints and ends
  • Secure any loose fasteners.
• Windows, cracked glass should be replaced.
  • Weep holes at the bottom of windows should be cleaned out
  • All windows should lock.
• Exterior, should be checked for deterioration, loose trim,
  • Cracks in brick, pointing (mortar) or stucco should be repaired.
  • Areas that need touch up painting.
  • Replace caulk that is deteriorating around doors, windows, vents and along trim work. (Remove old caulk)
  • Inspect the grading around the house making sure the water does not puddle and drains away from the house on all sides.
  • Clean out debris or leaves from doorways, window wells and storm drains.
  • Trim back all bushes from the homes exterior, (at least 12”)
• Exterior doors, lubricate hinges and locks.
  • Check weather stripping around the door and along the bottom of the door.
• Roof, look for damaged or loose shingles.
  • Examine the flashing around chimney, vent stacks and any other protrusion.
  • On roofs with multiple levels, pay particular attention to the wood trim that comes in contact with the shingles. (Look for rotting)
  • Inspect the chimney for loose bricks or deteriorating joints. The crown should be examined and any cracks sealed.
  • Trim all trees that overhang roof, keep at least 6 feet from roof.
• Outside faucets, if not the freeze proof type – insulate.
  • Remove all hoses and quick connect fittings.
  • Hose bibs should be checked for leaks or drips.
  • Close shutoff valves outside faucets and waterlines, drain if possible.
• Termites, look for termite tubes on the exterior foundation, on the interior of basements or crawl spaces, Inside check baseboards and garage walls.
• Driveway, walkways and patio. Clean and repair cracks.
• Alarms, smoke, fire and carbon monoxide. Remove covers and vacuum with brush attachment.
• Room air conditioners should be covered with insulated dust and moisture proof cover, inside and out.  Recommend removing units and storing inside.

Other Items that should be inspected                             

• Well water, test for Bacteria (every one to two years)
• Well pump screen, cleaned (every five years)
• Septic tank pumped (every three to five years)