Summer Reminders
Exterior Brick Walls

• The mortar joints in brickwork are subject to weathering over the years. When this occurs, the joints should be pointed up (new mortar inserted) to maintain a weather resistant exterior. This work should be performed by a bricklayer.

Decks

• After the moisture from the treatment dries out and periodically thereafter, pressure-treated wood decks should have a coat of water repellent and preservative. Follow the supplier’s recommendations.
  
• Over time a floorboard may warp, causing a nail to pop up. Screw down or replace the floorboard if needed.

Garage Doors

• The moving parts of garage doors should be greased every three months with a substance specially designed for garage doors

Electrical Receptacles

• Ordinarily, small appliances that require personal attendance for their operation may be plugged into any electrical receptacle without fear of overloading a circuit. However, the use of a large appliance or of many small appliances on the same circuit may cause an overload.
  
• If a circuit breaker trips frequently, contact a licensed electrical contractor to learn whether additional wiring is needed.
  
• Test your GFCI receptacles monthly by pressing the “test” button.

Faucets

• Cleaning the aerators will be your most frequent task in maintaining faucets. An aerator adds air to the water as it leaves the faucet and eliminates splashing. It also reduces water usage, thereby saving you money. Aerators are most common on kitchen and bathroom sinks.
  
• To clean an aerator; First make sure the drain is set, then unscrew it from the mouth of the faucet, remove any deposits, remove and rinse the washers and screens, replace them in their original order, and put the aerator back on the faucet.

Concrete Floors

• A concrete sealer will make an unpainted concrete floor easier to keep clean. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning after the sealer has been applied.
  
• Unpainted concrete floors should not be cleaned with soap.
  
• Unpainted concrete floors, should be cleaned using a solution of 4 to 6 tbsp. of washing soda to a gall. of hot water.
  
• First, wet the floor with clear water. If necessary, use scouring powder with the washing soda solution. A stiff brush will help to loosen dirt. Rinse with clear water.
  
• Painted concrete floors can be cleaned with plain water or a mild soap or detergent solution.

Hardwood Floors

• Normal maintenance should include regular vacuuming or dry mopping to remove surface dust and dirt.
  
• Do not use water on hardwood floors finished with anything other than polyurethane. Water sometimes causes the grain to rise, and prolonged use may cause cracks from the expansion and shrinkage of the wood.
  
• Hardwood floors with other finishes probably will need to be waxed periodically.
  
• Always use a “spirit” wax either liquid or paste. The wax can be buffed most easily with an electric polisher which can usually be rented at a hardware store or supermarket. If you use a “self-polishing” liquid wax, be sure it is made for use on hardwood floors.

Resilient Floors

• Resilient floors include vinyl, linoleum, asphalt, and rubber, For daily care, remove loose dirt with a broom, dust mop, or vacuum. Wipe up spills immediately, but if a spill or spot dries, remove it with a damp sponge, cloth, or mop. It is also important to note that rubber- backed floor mats will often yellow vinyl and linoleum.
  
• To prolong the period between cleanings, occasionally wipe resilient floors with a damp mop.
  
• When floors are dull or cannot be refurbished by mopping, clean them thoroughly with a household floor cleaner. Use just enough mechanical action with a mop, cloth, or floor scrubber to loosen dirt. Remove the cleaning solution, rinse the floor, and let it dry.
  
• The best polish for most resilient floors is water emulsion wax.
  
• About once or twice a year, take off built-up old polish or wax with remover. Dilute it as recommended, apply, rinse, let it dry, and apply a new coat of polish.

Tile Floors

• Ceramic tile normally needs only a wipe with a damp cloth or an occasional wet mopping to stay clean and new looking. If necessary, a more thorough cleaning with a detergent or ceramic tile cleaner will remove grime.
  
• To clean the joints between tiles, use a fiber brush and a mild cleanser.

Foundations

• To fill medium to large cracks in foundation…
  
• Roughen the edge of the crack if it is smooth. For large cracks, undercut the crack to form a V-shaped groove to a depth about equal to the width of the crack at the surface.
  
• Clean out all loose particles of cement, mortar, or concrete with a wire brush or a thin blade.
  
• Wet the crack thoroughly.
  
• Fill the crack with patching cement, allowing a little extra for shrinkage. Be sure the patching mixture is suitable for the job.
  
• Just before the cement hardens, rub it with burlap or a similar material to give it a texture similar to that of the wall. Wetting a trowel before going over the patch for the last time will produce a smooth surface.
  
• Paint it to match the rest of the wall if necessary.
  
• To repair small cracks, fill them with a heavy paste made by mixing dry cement-base paint with a little water. Force the paste into the crack with a stiff bristle brush or putty knife. To match the existing wall finish, use a colored paint to form the paste. In lieu of cement-base paint, you may use a mixture of cement and fine sand one part cement, two parts sand capable of passing through a 100-mesh screen) mixed with sufficient water to form a heavy paste.
  
• For the fine or hairline cracks, work cement-base paint into the crack with a short, stiff-bristle brush.

Heating Systems

• Call on a professional for an annual inspection and cleaning of your heating system. The best time to do this work is late summer or early autumn.
  
• If your furnace has a standing pilot light, keep it burning during the summer; the small amount of heat it generates will keep the furnace fry and prevent corrosion. The furnace will be ready for the first cold snap of the autumn.

Reducing Utility Bills

• Save money by following the following tips.
  
• Do not run the dryer, stove, or oven on a hot summer day
  
• Adjust the thermostat settings to 75° (or higher) in the summer
  
• Close the drapes, blinds, or curtains on hot summer days when the sun shines into your home.

Security Systems

• Check that the alarm and circuits are in working order
  
• Inspect sensors one by one. Consult your instruction manual on how to inspect the sensors. Check any primary and backup batteries once a month, and replace them at least once a year.

Smoke Detectors

• Periodically test the detector to see if it is working properly.
  
• Different types of detectors will require different care. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic maintenance.

Trim and Molding

• Tim and molding such as baseboard quarter-round, may separate from the floor and leave small space that will catch dust and dirt. This separation is part of the normal process of settling and shrinking in your home. Loosening the quarter round or other trim and re-nailing it in its proper position will remedy the problem.
  
• If a small separation occurs at corners or at other seams, it can be patched with wood filter; however, sometimes further settling will bring the pieces together. The filler can be stained or painted to match the molding

Water Heaters

• Water heaters normally collect small quantities of scale and dirty water. To remove this material, first shut the water intake valve and turn off the power source for your water hea ter (gas, electric, etc.) Failure to turn off the power source could cause the heating element to burn out. Then open the water intake valve and allow some water to flow through to flush out the remaining sediment. Shut the valve at the bottom of the tank. When the tank is full, follow manufacturer’s instructions for restoring heat.
  
• In localities with especially hard water, a water softener will reduce the frequency of cleaning.
  
• Every three or four months you should check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater to be sure the lever works properly. If the thermostat should fail to operate properly, this valve would prevent a dangerous increase in water temperature and pressure.

Windows

• Wood frames should be painted whenever the house or trim on the house is painted (every 4 to 6 years).
  
• Aluminum, vinyl, and vinyl-clad wood do not need painting.
  
• Steel frames should be painted with a rust-inhibiting paint.
  
• Aluminum can be left to age to a uniform gray. The oxidation (or graying) will protect it from the elements. If you prefer to maintain the brighter new look, a coat of wax will work well.
  
• To restore aluminum that has turned gray, polish it with steel wool.

Skylights

• When your roof is being inspected for general maintenance, have your seals, caulking, and flashings around skylights inspected for any cracks or interruptions.