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Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Spring
Fall
As Needed


SPRING

FOUNDATION – MASONRY – EXTERIOR

  • Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.
  • Cut back and trim vegetation from structures.
  • Check driveway and sidewalks for cracking, heaving or deterioration.
  • Check chimneys for loose, deteriorated, or missing mortar.
  • Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls 1” per foot min 6’out.
  • Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure.
  • Check all decks, patios, porch stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.
  • Check foundation and attic vent screens for damage.
  • Check all exterior lighting for proper operation.

ROOF

  • Check for open seams, blisters, or bald areas on flat roofs.
  • Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
  • Check gutter for proper attachment.
  • Check satellite supports for possible leak source.
  • Check fascia and soffits for deterioration and damage.
  • Check roof vents for proper operation.
  • Check mortar and cap on top of chimney.
  • Check for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles.
  • Check power roof vent or whole house fan for proper operation.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

  • Check all windows and hardware.
  • Check wood for weathering and paint failure.
  • Check weather striping for deterioration.
  • Lubricate garage door rollers.
  • Check screen for holes or cuts.

PLUMBING

  • Check water heater for leaks and corrosion.
  • Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
  • Have well water checked for safety.
  • Check outside faucets for leakage.

HEATING AND COOLING

  • Change air filter.
  • Check fireplace flue to ensure closed.
  • Clean exterior air conditioner coils. Test unit if above 65 degrees.
  • Have air conditioner inspected for the season.
  • Turn off pilot light on furnace.

INTERIOR

  • Check all tile joints for adequate grout.
  • Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilet base.
  • Check for crack on external walls.
  • Check glazing on windows.

FALL

FOUNDATION – MASONRY – EXTERIOR

  • Check chimneys for loose, deteriorated, or missing mortar.
  • Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls 1” per foot min 6’.
  • Spray around foundation for bugs, preventing winter intrusion.
  • Test snow blower.
  • Check exterior lighting for proper operation.

ROOFS

  • Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
  • Clean gutter.
  • Check fireplace cap for proper operation.

PLUMBING

  • Ensure all hoses are disconnected from outside faucets.
  • Drain sprinklers system.
  • Have septic system cleaned if need.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

  • Check caulking for deterioration of all openings and joints between wood and masonry.
  • Check weather stripping; don’t forget garage door.
  • Check for loose paint.
  • Check storm window for proper instillation.

HEATING AND COOLING

  • Lubricate fan and motor bearings.
  • Check fireplace flue for proper operation.
  • Check fan belt tension.
  • Light furnace pilot light.
  • Change filter.
  • Clean outside coils if using heat pump.
  • Test furnace for proper operation.
  • Have the furnace professionally serviced for the winter.

AS NEEDED

FOUNDATION – MASONRY – EXTERIOR

  • Check basement and crawl space for moisture of leakage after wet weather.
  • Check larger trees around house for splitting or dying branches.

ROOFS

  • Clean gutters, strainers, and downspouts. Make sure downspouts divert water away from foundation walls.
  • Check for any evidence of water penetration in attic and ceilings after wet weather.
  • Check roof turbans to see they are operation properly.
  • Look for missing shingle after high winds.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

  • Check for broken glass and damaged or missing screens.
  • Check garage door safety reverse operation.

PLUMBING

  • Check all faucets, hose bibs, and supply valves for leakage.
  • Check for evidence of leaks around and under sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs.
  • Have the septic tank cleaned every two (2) years.
  • Test sump pump for proper operation.
  • Know the location of the main water shut off valve.

HEATING AND COOLING

  • Check furnace filters every month of operation. Clean or replace when needed.
  • Keep area clean around heating and cooling equipment.
  • Have system serviced annually.
  • Check exterior coils, clean as needed.

ELECTRICAL

  • Periodically check exposed wiring and cable. Replace at first sign of wear and damage.
  • Check all lamp cords, extension cords and plugs for damage and wear. Replace as necessary.
  • Trip circuit breaker every six months and ground fault interrupters monthly to ensure proper function.
  • Learn location of electrical service panels and label each circuit.
  • If fuses blow, circuit breakers trip frequently, or any appliance sparks or shorts out, contact a licensed electrician for repairs.

INTERIOR

  • Check ceilings and surfaces around windows for evidence of moisture during wet weather.
  • Check ceiling areas beneath bathrooms for leakage.
  • Check all stairs and railings for any loose members.
  • Test all smoke alarms periodically per manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Check all fire and safety systems regularly.
  • Know the location of all gas shut-off valves.

DECKS

  • Decks should be clean and sealed at least every two to three years.
  • Repair any loose railings or decking.

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