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Some
Suggested
April
Home
Maintenance
Items
1 .Mark
and
monitor
small/hairline
cracks
in
foundation.
If
stable
after a
few
months
fill
with
epoxy.
If
they've
expanded
beyond
one half
inch,
call a
structural
engineer.
2.
Inspect
basement/crawl
spaces
for
seepage/leakage.
3.
Inspect
roof for
any
missing,
loose or
damaged
shingles.
4. Check
and
clean
AC/furnace
systems.
Follow
the
manufacturer's
recommendations
5. Clean
and/or
replace
the
AC/furnace
filters.
Adjust
thermostats
for
season
change.
6. Check
and
clean
gutters,
downspouts
and
extensions
and
repair/replace
as
needed
7. Do a
safety
check:
smoke
detectors,
fire
escape
routes,
fire
extinguisher,
carbon
monoxide
alarms
and
window
locks.
8. If
you have
a
fireplace
check
flue to
make
sure it
is
closed
for
warmer
weather.
9.
Scrape,
caulk
and
paint
any wood
surfaces
that
have
peeled
or
weathered.
10.
Clean
and
inspect
your
lawn
mower
and
other
power
tools
and
equipment.
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Check
Your
Deck
A
well-planned
maintenance
program
is the
best
insurance
policy
against
deck
repair
and
replacement
costs.
Sun and
moisture
can
cause
premature
rotting
and
decks
must be
maintained
to avoid
unnecessary
repairs
and
replacement
costs.
Sweep
the deck
often,
and when
it gets
very
dirty,
hose or
scrub it
down.
Look for
water
stains
where
the deck
ties to
the
house
since
leakage
can lead
to wood
decay.
If you
have any
doubt
about
the
structural
integrity
of the
deck,
call a
pro to
investigate.
Get rid
of moss
and
mold.
Pressure
washers
are
effective
if used
properly
and
carefully.
Remember,
if you
see wood
damage,
like
raised
fibers,
increase
the
distance
between
the
spray
nozzle
and the
decking.
Normal
wear and
tear may
also
loosen
joints
and
connections,
so check
and
tighten
them
regularly.
Apply a
coat of
wood
stain or
water
repellent
every 1
to 2
years. |
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Garage-door Opener Check
Put the door into the manual mode (normally by pulling the release handle hanging on a rope) and lift it by hand. A properly balanced door should lift easily and smoothly and stay open on its own about 3 feet off the ground. If it doesn't, hire a garage-door technician to counterbalance the overhead spring. Return safety latch to auto mode (usually by sliding it until it eversing force on the opener as low as possible by placing a 2x4 board on the ground under the door, wide side down. The door should pop back up when it hits the board. If it doesn't, call a garage-door pro. Test the photoelectric eyes by blocking the beam between them. The door should reverse direction; if it doesn't, have it checked by a pro. Lubricate all rollers, tracks and hinges (white grease or silicon works well).
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