Welcome to JLC Inspections, Inspection News Letter, designed for the home buyer, owner and the Real Estate Professional. Today we will be talking about getting the exterior of the home ready for the winter months. Key points this month are: Please pass this on to your friends and family.
•· Gutters and cleaning
•· Moisture infiltration to the interior
•· Roof inspection
Gutters: This is the time of the year that we should all be clearing the leaves and debris off our roofs and out of the gutters. Debris on the roof gets caught in the gutters and restricts water flow. When water backs up in the gutters, it has the potential of entering the roof system and causing damage to the interior structure of the home. Leaking gutters can also cause damage to fascia boards do to extensive leaks. Gutters that are not properly pitched towards the downspouts will also cause water to enter the eaves and fascias causing damage. Lets everyone get out and inspect and clean our gutters. You should also be able to call a gutter installation company to help if you are unable to perform this yourself. If you do not have a gutter system on your roof, it is highly recommended that you do so. Read moisture infiltration below.
Moisture infiltration: Everyone has heard me talk about soil levels in planter areas against the structure of the home. Soil levels that are above the weep screed, sill plate or mud sill of the home will cause water to enter the interior walls of the home. This moisture has the potential of causing microbial growth inside the home and can be prevented if you do the following.
•· Soil should be 4 to 6 inches below the weep screed of the home.
•· Sprinklers should never hit the structure. Convert sprinklers heads to soaker lines, drip systems, or bubbler heads. Remember! If you water your house, you will not grow your equity.
•· Keeping water away from your home is very important. Gutter systems and properly directed downspouts to drains or hard surfaces is the best solution. Excessive moisture next to the structure has the potential of entering the slab which will cause damage to the home.
Roof Inspection: When was the last time you had a professional look at your roof? The rainy season will be here soon and roof damage is the number one way moisture will enter the home if the roof is not water tight. Broken, damaged or missing roof tiles should be replaced as soon as possible, before the rains come. Flashings around the vent pipes and roof vents should be inspected and repaired. If you are not sure, or have not had your roof inspected for several years, now is a good time to get it done.
This was in last month's letter, but because of the fires going on here it is again. Also remember, if you are in a fire area, the smoke in the air can be toxic! If you can smell the smoke, particulates are in the air as well. The elderly should not be exposed to this for any reason. You should leave the area or be wearing a mask.
Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms should be tested a minimum of twice a year. Remember it this way, ( change your clocks, change your furnace filters and test your smoke alarms) Once a year you should change the batteries in the alarms and the alarms should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. If you have an older home you may not have alarms installed per current fire code requirements. One should be placed in each bedroom, on each floor of the home in the hallways, and hallways are required to have one every 20 feet. They should be placed on the ceilings and within 6 feet inside bedroom doors.
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