ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, ALABAMA 36849-5612

Home Maintenance Check-Up Gent.a S. Speakman ExfRnsion Home Environment Specia,list .

A well-maintained house does not come naturally. On the contrary, wear, dirt, and the elements of nature are detennined to leave their mark upon your house. And while there's no denying that regular maintenance is a chore, it is the critical defense against the many ravages nature and time dish out. It's also your best insurance against the checkbook trauma of major repairs.

Foundations, Basements, Yards

Termites

Roof

D Check to see that the land slopes away from the foundation on all four sides to allow good drainage.

D Check the drain spouts to see that water is carried away from the house and is not allowed to backup into the basement. Remove debris and flush with water.

D Examine the interior of the basement walls and floor for moisture or damp­ness, a musty odor, mildew patches, loose mortar in masonry, and rust on pipes or water heater.

D Check wood posts, ceiling beams, and joists for rot and note any sagging beams. D Make sure waterlines and hose bibs are protected from freezing. D Check sludge level in septic tank. When the top scum is more than half-way

up the tank, cleaning is advisable. D Driveways, patios, and walks should be checked for cracks or breaks that may

cause further damage. D Trim shrubs and clear debris that might block air movement around condenser. D Drain fuel from gasoline engines of yard equipment and service them accord­

ing to manufacturer's instructions. D Check the structural condition of fences, gates, and retaining walls and make

needed repairs.

D Check for termites in the wood framing in basements and foundations. Dig in­to floor beams, sills, and posts with a penknife or ice pick. If you have termites or dry rot, the tool will sink into the material and come up with powdery deposits.

D Check for termite deposits by the tunnels they build on masonry foundations supporting wood framing.

D Check for loose, cracked, curled, or missing shingles or roof tiles that could cause leaks.

D Check the lower edge of roof sheathing for water damage. D Examine flashing around chimneys, vent stalks, and roof edges. D Inside the attic or top-floor room, check for water stains on walls or ceilings.

CIRCULAR HE-611

ARCHIVE

D Check vents and louvers for free air movement; clean screen. D Check for damaged gutters and downspouts; clean them and repaint if needed. D Inspect the outside of chimney for loose bricks or stones and deteriorating joints.

Repair if needed. D Check chimney flue liner condition and entire flue for creosote and soot build-up. D Check television antenna guy wires and support straps.

Exterior Walls, Windows, And Doors

Interior Surfaces

D Check for any loose or broken wallboards, shingles, or bricks that need replacing. D Check for cracks in wood siding boards or mortar joints in masonry walls. D Check painted or stained surfaces for paint failure, water damage, or mildew. D Inspect th~ condition of caulking where two different materials meet, where

wood siding joins the foundation's wall, at inside comers, and where window and door trim joins the siding.

D Check for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows. D Examine all hardware on windows and doors. Lubricate moving parts. D Check weather-stripping on windows and doors for damage and tightness of fit.

D Check ceiling and walls of all rooms for dirt and wear. Check around cabinets for finish failure. Also check for cracks where ceiling and walls join and where moldings join ceiling and walls.

D Check caulking around sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Also, examine all joints in ceramic tiles and laminated plastics.

D Check floors for wear and damage, especially where different types of flooring materials meet.

Heating And Cooling Systems D Change or clean filters. D Clean dirt and dust from around furnaces, air grills, and ducts. D Oil fans and moving parts that require lubrication.

Electrical Systems And Fixtures

Plumbing Systems

D Check lamp cords, appliance cords, extension cords, and plugs. D Have an electrician check any fuse that blows or circuit breaker that trips fre­

quently to determine the cause; repair it. D If, when inspecting an appliance or lamp, a slight tingling shock comes from

handling it, disconnect the appliance and repair it.

D Check faucets, hose bibs, water closets, and shut-off valves for leaks. D Manually open safety valve at top of hot water heater to test operation accord­

ing to manufacturer's directions.

CIRCULAR HE-611 Jhe

E~1Alabamo i7Cooperative Extension Service

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn Univer­sity, Ann E. Thompson, Director, offers educational programs and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap and is an equal opportunity employer. CP, 12M03, 1:90, HE-611

ARCHIVE