Home Tips

Summer Maintenance

• Monitor basement humidity and avoid relative humidity levels above 60 per cent. Use a dehumidifier to maintain safe relative humidity. Clean or replace air conditioning filter, and wash or replace ventilation system filters if necessary.
• Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary.
• Vacuum bathroom fan grille.
• Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws as needed.
• Lubricate garage door hardware and ensure it is operating properly.
• Lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.
• Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter your house, and make sure there is no water leakage into the house along the electrical conduit.
• Check exterior wood siding and trim for signs of deterioration; clean replace or refinish as needed.
• Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats, squirrels.
• Climb up on your roof, or use binoculars, to check its general condition on, and note any sagging, that could indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from inside the attic. Note the condition of all shingles for possible repair or replacement, and examine all roof flashings, such as at chimney and roof joints, for any signs of cracking or leakage.
• Repair driveway and walkways as needed.
• Repair any damaged steps that present a safety problem.
• Check all windows and door locks to ensure correct functioning. Make sure all locks are secure and there are no holes in any of the screens.
• Carefully inspect your toilet. Look for erosion of plastic floater valves, and check all pipe connections.
• Clean and/or replace furnace filter.
• Inspect washing machine hoses periodically and replace hoses that show signs of leaking.
• Clean the gutters in the spring and fall.
• Check for damaged roofing and flashing materials twice a year.
• Cut back trees and shrubs from the house walls, roof and air conditioning system as needed.
• Clean the tracks on horizontal sliding windows annually, and ensure the drain holes are clear.
• Test ground fault circuit interrupters using the test button, monthly.
• Service furnace yearly.
• Check the bathtub and shower caulking monthly and improve promptly as needed.
• If you are in a climate where freezing occurs, shut off outdoor water faucets in the fall.
• Install and re-secure door stops as needed.
• Check attics for evidence of leaks and condensation and make sure vents are not obstructed, at least twice a year. (Provide access into all attics and crawl spaces.)