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Autumn Maintenance
Every
season brings its own concerns for homeowners. Many homeowners
prepare their dwelling for the
onset of winter harshness during the mellower days of fall. That
way, his home isn’t
vulnerable to the structural problems that can result if a home is
exposed to increased air,
moisture, and water penetration.
Some items a homeowner may want
to complete during his autumn
fix-up period include:
• Visually inspect the roof,
using binoculars. Check
for damaged, loose
or missing shingles, then
repair as necessary.
• Look for leakage, misalignment
or damage around gutters,
gutter guards, and
strainers. After the leaves have fallen, clear all gutters.
• Check the flashings around skylights, chimneys, vents, and
roof stacks for leakage. Make
any necessary repairs.
• Make sure all doors and windows
are properly caulked and the weatherstripping is in good
condition. Remove and replace any worn or decayed
materials.
• Have the heating system professionally serviced.
• Drain exterior water lines, pool
equipment, hose bibbs, and sprinklers.
• Cut back tree limbs that grow
over or on the roof. Also trim shrubbery growing
against the house.
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continued
from front page...
dwelling,
including the basement. For
newer homes (circa 1993 and forward),
an alarm must be installed in each
bedroom. Although it’s not required,
it’s smart to also have an alarm
installed in the garage.
• The right positioning of alarms. Ceilings
are the best location, because smoke
rises. However, it is acceptable to
install the alarm on a wall, as long as the
alarm is placed within 12 inches of the
ceiling.
• When a homeowner adds an
addition, he also should
add alarms. If an addition
or alteration is made to a dwelling
that exceeds $1,000 and if a permit
is required, smoke alarms must be
installed to comply with the latest standards, regardless of
the age of the home.
A homeowner also needs to be diligent in testing
the alarms in his household to ensure
they are operative. There’s no point in
having alarms in place if they don’t work when
needed!
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