Preventative Measures To A Long-Lasting Home

2-10 New Home Maintenance Manual

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If you don’t have a physical copy, you can find a digital version on our Yanez Homes website under Resources tab, or you can request an additional copy of each booklet from our Yanez Homes Sales Representative. This maintenance manual is provided to give you tips on keeping your home well-maintained from the exterior to the interior. Each material needs to be carefully treated, and each appliance needs your attention, whether that be monthly, annually, or biannually. Remember, it is your responsibility to maintain your home and be on top of any issues.

Maintenance

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The 2-10 Maintenance Manual suggests that you establish a maintenance schedule however the schedules you create should not replace the manufacturer’s recommendations. Your safety is first so if there's any issue with plumbing or electrical contact a professional before making one small repair into an expensive cost.

We suggest you do the following maintenance monthly:

• Check the operation of smoke detectors simply by pressing the test button. Check and replace any batteries as needed.

• Check fire extinguishers for proper charge, and have fire extinguishers located in the kitchen, garage, and basement.

• Clean and replace dirty filters in the range hood.

• Check for any leaks around toilets, under sinks, and around the dishwasher.

• Clean and freshen sink drains by flushing with hot water and baking soda

• Inspect furnace and air conditioning filters, humidifiers, and electronic air cleaners.

• Clean aerators on faucets regularly, depending upon water hardness. The life of the filter is dependent upon water usage and water characteristics.

• Regularly vacuum and repair tears and remove stains as soon as possible.

• Check the Temperature Pressure Release (TPR) valve on the water heater. In areas with hard water, drain at least five gallons of water from the drain valve every six months to prevent sediment buildup.

The following items are suggested to be maintained biannually.

• Inspect the roof and chimney for broken or missing tiles and shingles.

• Inspecting and cleaning gutters and downspouts

*Do not walk on the roof, as it is dangerous and can cause damage

• inspect exterior materials such as paint, masonry, stucco, wood trim, and exterior Insulated Finish System

• inspect proper operation of doors and windows for security and weather resistance

• Monitor and maintain cabinets and countertops

• inspect foundation, basement, or crawl space

• Inspect and replace caulking/grout around tubs, showers, and sinks

Finally, annual maintenance includes:

• examining caulking around windows and doors

• inspect the condition of concrete slabs and patios

• Check condition of the septic tank and leech field

• Have carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year

• Complete annual furnace and air conditioning maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor. Schedule a professional inspection of major appliances, especially if they are gas-fueled.

Interior Maintenance

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Interior maintenance is required for attics, floor coverings, wall finishes, cabinets and countertops, wood trim, doors and windows, and testing appliances.

*Always refer back to the 2-10 Maintenance Manual for suggestions and instructions on how to properly take care of every item that has been listed

When maintaining the appearance and longevity of floor coverings and wall finishes:

• Carpet: Vacuum often about 2-3 strokes on each spot for maximum soil removal. Areas of heavy traffic require more frequent cleaning.

• Ceramic or marble tiles, sweep or vacuum often. Check for cracks in the grout and apply matching grout as necessary. Check caulking near bathtubs and baseboards. *Ensure all furniture legs have floor protectors installed, lift furniture, and do not drag to avoid scratching.

• Hardwood floors, sweep and vacuum often. Use non-rubber-backed mats or throw rugs to minimize exposure to sand and grit.

• Wallpaper can be affected by changes in humidity. Check for curling or loose seams, and reattach with a compatible wallpaper seam adhesive.

• Drywall check for cracks at windows, doors, corners, and ceilings. Repair with two to three coats of joint compound, sand, and repaint when necessary. Most drywall cracks will occur after a heating and cooling season.

• For paint or stain, look for peeling, cracking, blistering, fading, or scuff marks. Scrape off paint from any damaged areas. Flat paint can be touched up with a small brush and matching paint. Semi-gloss and glossy paint can be touched up or wiped off with a damp sponge to clean. Exterior paints can usually be used for inside areas, however, the opposite is not always true. Do not use acrylic or latex paint over enamel or varnish, as it will not adhere.

Maintaining durability and appearance of cabinets and countertops twice a year:

• Cabinets need to be refreshed once a month with good quality furniture polish. Painted cabinets must be cleaned with a mild, non-abrasive detergent on a damp sponge. Wood cabinets should be cleaned and waxed just like furniture.

• Laminate countertops can be damaged by water or placing hot items such as pots and pans. Verify that any caulking joints are in good condition.

• Ceramic tile countertops inspect grout and tile for cracks. Replace cracked tiles and re-grout as necessary.

Ensuring proper operation, security, and weather resistance of doors and windows twice a year:

• The durability of doors and windows can be affected by wear and tear, expansion and contraction, and general weathering. Check door and window hardware, adjust or tighten any knobs, latches, and lubricate any keyholes and hinges.

• Make sure door latch bolts and deadbolts engage properly. Adjust, tighten, and lubricate where necessary. Spray graphite into keyholes and onto hinges when lubricating - never use oil.

• Also, don’t forget to lubricate the tracks for sliding and pocket doors. Paint or seal the top and bottom of doors to reduce moisture penetration and wood shrinking or swelling.

Exterior Maintenance

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Exterior maintenance is required for roof and chimneys, gutters and downspouts, siding, paint, stucco, caulking around windows and doors, concrete slabs, and patios.

*Always refer back to the 2-10 Maintenance Manual for suggestions and instructions on how to properly take care of every item that has been listed

Inspect roofs and chimneys for anything that might cause leaks or problems:

• Roofs must be visually inspected twice a year for torn, missing, or cracked shingles or tiles. Consult with a qualified roofing contractor, as necessary, for correction of any roofing problems. After any snow, ice, high winds, or heavy rains, check for water stains under the overhang and in the attic

Proper care of caulking helps keep out water, air, dust, and insects:

• Caulking around door and window frames should be inspected at least once a year. Original caulking will shrink and crack over time due to normal weathering. Confirm that caulked joints are still properly sealed and haven’t cracked, pulled apart, or fallen out.

Maintain the appearance of concrete slabs and patios:

• Examining all concrete sidewalks, patios, and garage slabs at least once a year for cracks, chipping, stains, and scaling. Consult with your local hardware store for products that can fill and repair cracks or chipping or remove scaling residue (Automotive brake cleaning fluid works well to remove most concrete stains).

Gutters and downspouts should be checked twice a year for proper operation:

• Hire a gutter cleaning service or use a ladder to inspect yourself. Leaves and debris will accumulate in the gutters as the seasons change. If you inspect it yourself, carefully climb up to the gutter and scoop out leaves and debris with a small hand shovel. Also, remove debris from the downspouts.

Siding, paint, masonry, and stucco should always be surveyed to maintain appearance and adequate weather protection:

• Perform a walk-around inspection of the perimeter walls. Normal weathering will cause materials to crack, peel, wrap, or crumble. Check for warped siding, gaps in wood trim, and peeling or blistering paint. Look for cracks in brick, stone, and stucco. Identify any areas where mortar has fallen out.

The 2-10 New Home Maintenance Manual is part of keeping each material long-lasting with the proper care instructions. Always refer back to the manual to help distinguish Why?, When?, and How? to care for interior and exterior materials. Ensure that your safety is your #1 priority. Hire gutter cleaning services, professional plumbing, carpet professionals or professional electrical teams to fix any problem.

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