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Fall Maintenance Tips for Protecting the Structure, Systems and Components of the Home!

It’s that time of year again… Autumn! Not only is this a great time to enjoy the fall scenery and cooler air, but it is also a seasonal time to remember to maintain our homes to prevent future issues with the structure, systems and components of the home!

Fall Home Maintenance Tips by CNHInspections

During our Home Inspections, CNHInspections has found many issues and defects that, if not properly fixed or maintained, will certainly lead to subsequent issues in the home or even the foundation and structure. We have gathered a list of 5 Fall Maintenance Tips that are important for maintaining the integrity of the home.


1. SEAL CONCRETE CRACKS


Yes, that minor crack in the driveway, or in the garage, does need attention... and it needs it now! Changing temperatures and moisture can turn a small concrete problem into a big one!

The following photo, from one of our inspections, shows a minor, hairline crack in a driveway. All cracks greater than 1/8" wide are recommended to be sealed.

cracked driveway, repairing cracked concrete

This next photo shows a homeowner's garage crack that started as a minor, hairline crack and over the course of a few years extended the length of the entire garage and widened to a 1/4" crack. If it is not addressed now, it will get even worse!

cracked driveway, repairing cracked concrete

Driveway and garage concrete is exposed to outdoor elements i.e. fluctuating temperatures and moisture from rain and snow. When a crack forms in the driveway it is then susceptible to water intrusion. In the winter snow melt seeps into these cracks and as temperatures drop the water freezes, thus expands. The expansion pressure causes the crack to widen. Moisture also erodes the soil beneath the concrete, leading to concrete settlement and further cracking. Garage cracks are also susceptible to moisture that drips from our vehicles onto the garage floor. Home Depot has a great instructional video on what products you will need from your local home improvement store to easily repair your concrete.

Don't have time to maintenance your concrete this fall? Your local concrete contractor can not only provide a professional service to remedy your concrete issues, but often times their commercial-grade products are superior to home improvement store products.

Take some time to repair broken concrete to get more time out of your sidewalk, driveway and steps before they are in need of a full replacement.


2. CHECK THE GUTTER SYSTEM FOR CLOGS, DAMAGE AND DEFICIENCIES

Water is a home's worst enemy. Something as simple as an improper/insufficient gutter system can, overtime, lead to major structural issues in a home's foundation!

Missing gutters or gutter extensions leads to water collection around the foundation of the home. Water causes soil movement which can lead to a build up of hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. During our inspections, at times, we have seen this built up pressure resulting in lateral movement, causing bowing and cracks in foundation walls!


downspout extension, gutter system, keeping water away from home, water drainage home

Four deficiencies to check for in your gutter system are clogged gutters or downspouts, missing gutter extensions, detached gutter extensions and damaged gutters.

The following photos from our inspections, show debris collecting in the gutters.

The following photo from one of our inspections, shows a clogged downspout.

CNHInspections - Central Nebraska Home Inspections gutter debri, gutter maintenance, clogged gutters, fall maintenance, clogged downspout

The following photos from our inspections, show damaged downspouts and extensions. Damaged downspouts will promote clogs and prevent proper water drainage.


It is the little, overlooked things that can lead to costly repairs! Directing water away from a home is one of the most important steps to maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Keeping the perimeter of the home dry also prevents termite and pest intrusion. Remember to clear leaves from your gutters through out the fall season, and if damaged areas of the gutter system are present, we recommend contacting your local gutter contractor to have your system repaired.


3. REPLACE FAILING CAULK AND SEAL EXPOSED EXTERIOR PENETRATIONS

The mild fall weather makes it a perfect time to replace any failed caulking. Inspect the caulking around windows, doors and anywhere else two materials meet for failing or deteriorated caulking. Windows are especially prone to moisture intrusion, and often times wood rot is found beneath windows. "This Old House" has an informational video showing how to seal areas around the home that are vulnerable to moisture intrusion. Roof penetrations should also be inspected for failing or deteriorated caulk. During our inspections we find that the majority of roof leaks are caused from failed or missing sealant around roof penetrations. We also often times find nails that are nailed outside the acceptable nailing pattern. These exposed fasteners should be properly sealed to prevent corrosion and subsequent leaks.


The following photos, from our inspections, show failing sealant on flashing fasteners, ridge fasteners and fasteners below a headwall.

Colder weather is setting in. This makes your home the perfect abode for critters who are looking for a warm place to nest! During our inspections we often find unsealed through-the-home penetrations, especially where the air conditioner refrigerant line set enters the home. These unsealed holes are the perfect entry point for critters.

The following photos show some of the many unsealed penetrations we have observed during our inspections. These penetrations are vulnerable to vermin and moisture intrusion.

Sealing exposed fasteners, sealing around windows and doors and sealing all through-the-home and roof penetrations will prevent moisture intrusion, wood rot and vermin intrusion.


4. REMOVE LINT FROM THE DRYER DUCT TERMINATION AND CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DUCTING


An estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires, in residential buildings, are reported to U.S. fire departments each year. Most of these incidents are the result of improper lint cleanup and maintenance. Many homeowners are aware that they should clean their dryer lint filter in between each use. However, dryer maintenance does not stop there. The entire vent pipe as well should be cleaned annually to prevent a house fire. Home Depot has an instructional video on how to properly clean your dryer duct.


The following photo shows a dryer vent duct running through the walls and the floor to the exterior of the home.

CNHInspections - dryer vent duct

The following photo shows a home's dryer vent exhaust location on the exterior of the home. Be sure to remove any built up lint from the exhaust as needed.

dryer vent exhaust, dryer vent termination, dryer fire, house fire, lint fire, lint buildup, fall maintenance tips, CNHInspections, central nebraska home inspections

Check that your exterior duct termination does not have a pest guard installed over it. A dryer screen or pest guard is forbidden by the International Residential Code. It can catch lint and cause a clog or reduce air flow which is a fire hazard. International Residential Code - M1502.3 Duct termination. Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building or shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation instructions. Exhaust ducts shall terminate not less than 3 feet in any direction from openings into buildings. Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination.


The following photo from one of our inspections shows the dryer duct termination with a pest screen installed. The pest screen is behind the louvers, and has lead to the build up of lint at the dryer duct termination.

dryer vent exhaust, dryer vent termination, pest guard, pest screen, vent screen, dryer fire, house fire, lint fire, lint buildup, fall maintenance tips, CNHInspections, central nebraska home inspections

Cleaning your entire vent duct yearly is an important maintenance tip to ensure the safety of all occupants living in the home.

5. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER AND HAVE YOUR EQUIPMENT SERVICED

Clogged filters reduce the life of heating equipment because it prevents proper air flow across the heat exchanger of the furnace or across the evaporator coil of the central air conditioning unit. Filthy filters can be easily changed, but a lack of proper filter maintenance leads to clogged evaporator coils, poor air flow and premature failure of the equipment. The following photos from our inspections shows excessive debris built up on coils and a dirty fresh air intake.

HVAC (heater and air conditioner) equipment should be serviced and professionally cleaned annually, by a qualified HVAC contractor, to prevent premature failure of the system. An annual service of the HVAC equipment usually includes cleaning the indoor and outdoor coils, and cleaning the condensate pipe of dirt and debris as well as checking the following components: Thermostat calibration, equipment condition, blower components, air handler/ furnace, electrical connections, condenser and evaporator coils, airflow, safety controls, refrigerant pressure and the condensate drain lines. Having your heater and air conditioner serviced annually will help the equipment to last longer and work more efficiently.

Following CNHInspections annual fall maintenance tips will help to keep your home up to par, and prevent costly future repairs and replacements. Keep an eye out for our Spring Maintenance Tips blog coming out in the Spring, and enjoy your Autumn! #CNHInspections #CentralNebraskaHomeInspections #HastingsNEHomeInspector #GrandIslandNEHomeInspector #KearneyNEHomeInspector #LincolnNEHomeInspector #HomeInspections #FallMaintenance #HomeMaintenanceTips #CrackedConcrete #CrackedDriveway #HVACEquipment #ACcoils #Heater #airfilterchange #dryervent #dryerfire #housefire #guttersystem #downspout #rainfoundation #moisturedamage #woodrot

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