Projects o Maintain Your Home

• Seal Outside Concrete Cracks
Concrete driveways, service walkways and patio cracks. We recommend sealing the cracks to help prevent additional damage due to weather and freezing water.

• Landscaping Positive Grading
Maintain a positive slope away from foundation for proper water flow. We recommend 1 inch per foot over 6 feet from house.

• Siding/Grade Proper Clearance
Improper clearance from the ground will cause moisture damage over time. We recommend clearance 6 inches from the ground to the bottom of the siding.

• Window Well Covers
Well covers help prevent moisture and debris from entering the window wells.

• Trim vegetation/trees
Keep trees and vegetation trimmed/removed to keep them from coming in contact with structures. (Vines cause damage to structures).

• Exterior Caulking
Caulk around windows, doors, corners and utility penetrations to prevent moisture and pest intrusion. Caulking that is dried, cracked or loose needs to be removed and replaced with proper exterior caulking.

• Discharge Extensions
We recommend all gutter and sump pump extensions to discharge a minimum of 6 to 8 feet from house.

• Gutters
Proper pitch to the downspouts. Clean out debris. In winter, standing water can lead to icicles and ice dams that can cause damage to house and foundation.

• Weather Stripping
Check windows and doors for air leaks. Install proper weather stripping to help with energy costs.

• Chimneys and Fireplaces
Keep fireplace chimneys inspected and cleaned to prevent fires. Hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, birch and most fruit trees are the best woods to use in your fireplaces/wood burning stoves. They will burn hotter, longer and generally cleaner with the least pitch and sap.

• Roof Maintenance
Roofs require routine maintenance due to normal wear of sealants and damage usually after harsh weather. Roofs should be evaluated every two years by a qualified roofer.

• GFCI outlets
GFCI's are required in bathrooms, laundry areas, kitchens (all receptacles serving countertop areas and receptacles within 6 feet of sink must have GFCI protection, including dishwashers and damp locations I.e. basements, crawl spaces, outside, garage, etc.) GFCI's should be installed to protect pools, spas and hot tubs.