Roofs, Gutters, Flashing, Chimney:
- Gutters and downspouts should always be kept clean
- Periodic painting of steel gutters extends life
- Underground drain lines should be cabled periodically to ensure they are open
- Periodic sealing of wood shingle roofs will increase their life expectancy
- All flashing, penetrations or skylights should be maintained clean and sealed
- Add leaders and/or splash blocks at the bottom of downspouts to divert water
- Unlined flues are not safe for regular wood burning
- Flues should be professionally cleaned regularly
- Gas fireplaces should always have a standing pilot and damper clamp
Siding and Trim:
- Paint, caulk and seal all seams, edges, and nail heads of composition board siding
- Seal/caulk cracks and knot holes in cedar siding
- Remove vines from siding, as they can attract pests, rodents, and accelerate deterioration
- Install a weep screed to isolate stucco walls from direct soil contact
- Keep bottom edges of EIFS (synthetic Stucco) up and out of the ground or mulch
Porches, Decks, Steps:
- Wire brushing, painting and staining the underside of porches will significantly increase material life
- As cedar, redwood and treated lumber age it is necessary to apply a penetrating stain or sealer
- Railings should be 42” high
- Balusters should be no more than 4” apart
- Fill voids beneath concrete porches and patios with compacted fill or gravel
Heating and Air Conditioning:
- Change filters monthly during regular use
- Assure that old masonry flue liners are intact or relined
- Add low water/cut off feed as a safety improvement
- Remove or encapsulate all asbestos duct insulation as per EPA guidelines
- Assure adequate air supply to furnaces located in closets or confined areas
- Furnaces in garages should be 18” off the floor
- Regularly clean condensing unit coils
- Keep vegetation and structures a minimum of 3’ away from unit
- Regularly clean the condensate drain system
- Raise condensing unit above grade
Electrical:
- Maintain a minimum of 36 inches of clear space around electric panels
- Consider adding a main disconnect in the panel
- Add extra outlets so at least 2 will exist in each room
- Replace outlets that are restricted by paint
- Add GFCI outlets in wet/damp areas for safety
- Periodically test GFCI outlets for proper operation
- Cover all open junction boxes and exposed electrical connections
- Remove or “tomb stone” all floor outlets
- Replace all defective light switches and outlets
- Make sure panel is correctly grounded for safety
- Upgrade ungrounded obsolete 2 prong outlets
- Cover all exposed incandescent light bulbs with a globe
- All visible or “surface” wiring should be in conduit
- Overhead conductor lines should be a minimum of 10 feet above the ground
- Trim back all tree limbs before they are in contact with conductor lines
- Panels manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric Company employ Stablok breakers and other components have been alleged to be defective http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm
- Panels manufactured by Zinsco/Sylvania are alleged to be defective by overheating and scorching. www.inspectny.com/electric/Zinsco.htm
