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HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS |
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Framing
ATTICS
Attics can vary in size from small crawl spaces to areas that are big enough to be converted into bonus rooms.
Many homes have attic space that can be used for storage. However, there are homes now that are being built with roof trusses that do not have adequate storage space in the attic. If you choose to utilize your attic for storage, be extremely careful not to put too much weight on your attic floor, these floors may not be as strong as the floors in the rest of your home. Because attic walls are not insulated, attics are susceptible to extreme heat and cold. Any materials that you do store in the attic need to be combustible or perishable so they can withstand the extreme temperatures.
We have constructed your home to be energy efficient. Make certain that items stored in the attic do not compress the insulation because this will make the insulation less effective.
Your home may have louvered openings in the attic that allows warm, moist air to escape. These openings should be unobstructed at all times.
DOORS
Your home contains several types of doors depending on the location and purpose. Interior doors are usually made of wood. Our wood doors are painted. Exterior doors are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass doors are painted as well.
Interior doors may experience some expanding and contracting with time and may bow also. This is due to temperature and humidity changes. These are considered normal and will need only minor adjustments. If the door experiences bowing, it should not be to the extent that the door becomes inoperable.
Hinges and pocket doors will need occasional lubricating to maintain a smooth operation. To protect pocket doors from scratches, gouges, or other damage, do not hang pictures on the wall in which the doors are recessed.
Exterior doors may experience some bowing also. This is caused by temperature differences between the inside and outside surfaces and is considered normal. Bowing shouldn’t cause the door to be inoperable or non-weather resistant.
All exterior doors have weatherstripping applied to the four edges of the door. This will need to be checked regularly to ensure it is in place and operating.
Garage doors are made of metal and require very little maintenance. It is important, however, to lubricate the tracks and roller guides.
INSULATION
The insulation in your home has been installed to meet all applicable local codes. Wall sheathing, wall and floor insulation, blown attic insulation and insulated glass help to create an envelope around your home that improves its energy efficiency. Expandable foam or caulking is used to seal off air infiltration through small openings in the home. Insulation should not be moved for any reason.
Attics should be inspected every season to ensure that the insulation has no bare areas.
Deteriorated or separated caulking should be repaired every season. Siding, trim, windows, and doors should be re-caulked regularly to prevent air infiltration.
Weatherstripping on interior and exterior doors should be maintained and monitored to ensure that a continuous weather seal is in place.
ROOFING
Your roof should give you many years of good service if it’s properly maintained. The roof system includes roofing felt, flashing, roof vents, gutters, and downspouts. Some plans may even have galvanized metal roofing over porches or bays.
Flashing is aluminum or metal that prevents water from penetrating where the shingles meet the vertical surfaces of another material. It is considered normal if the flashing is visible. Caulk is used to seal the flashing, it should be checked periodically. A sealant is used around metal bay tops. It is important to keep the sealant in good repair to prevent leaks. Keeping the caulk and sealant in good repair is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Shingles may not lie down flat immediately if applied in cool weather. It must be warmed by the sun in order to seal the shingles together. Severe winds may lift up the shingles, but they lie down in warm weather. After severe weather, always check the roof for torn and missing shingles.
The gutter system installed on your home is designed to carry water away from your roof. The gutters should not leak, but could overflow during heavy rains. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to keep the gutters clean from debris such as leaves, pinestraw, branches, etc… A stopped up gutter could cause leaks and gutters that overflow could wear the paint.
WALLS AND CEILINGS
There are two types of walls in your home: bearing and non-bearing. Non-bearing walls may be altered without fear of structural damage. Altering a bearing wall must be done carefully as to avoid reducing its bearing capacity. All of the exterior walls are considered bearing walls. The structural lumber in your house has been selected in sizes and grades to provide a safety factor well beyond what is required to carry the load. Shrinkage may occur in these framing members, but your home has been designed so that any settling will be as even as possible.
As with most building materials, wood may contract or expand with changes in the weather. It isn’t affected by heat or cold, but could shrink due to extreme dryness or swell under extreme humidity.
The drywall in your home should last for the life of the home without undue maintenance. Normal shrinking in framing boards can cause minor cracks and nail pops to appear in the drywall. Nail pops should not affect the strength of the wall.
Exterior Brick Walls
If brick was used on your home, keep in mind that each brick will not be perfect or spaced perfectly. Small surface chips or cracks and slight variations in size and placement are considered normal and help to create the texture and beauty of brickwork. The mortar joints in brickwork are subject to weathering through the years. If and when this occurs, the joints should be pointed up (new mortar inserted) to maintain a weather-resistant exterior. A certified brick mason should be hired to perform this.
WINDOWS
The windows in your home are a combination of insulated and tempered glass. Insulated windows may have an extended guarantee offered by the sash manufacturer. Check your window warranty documents for extended warranty information
Condensation can occur on windows as a result of the humidity level and is not a defect of the windows. Typically, condensation usually occurs during the winter months when the indoor air is warmer than the outside air due to the heating and is not considered a defect of the windows.
Weatherstripping is applied at the top and bottom of your windows to help improve the homes efficiency. It’s possible that some air infiltration will be noticeable around windows especially during high winds.
Screens are provided on all windows that are operable. These are provided to keep insects out, not to provide security.
The windows that are in your home have tilt-out sashes. They are to be tilted in to the house for cleaning.