Did You Know?

Driveways

• Asphalt driveways need six to twelve months to properly harden & cure. Automobile traffic should stay off new driveways for at least 3 full days, and longer in hot weather.

• Oil based products are detrimental to asphalt surfaces. Avoid gasoline, oil, power steering and transmission fluid spills & leaks on your driveway.

• Sealing an asphalt driveway too soon may cause damage to your new driveway. Allow the driveway to cure at least six months in warm weather prior to sealing.

Landscaping

• Development of your new lawn depends on the growing conditions during the germination period. No two lawns are exactly the same.

• Mowing new grass with a dull blade, or the blades set too low, may rip out the grass roots and cause bare spots in the yard. Mowing in wet conditions may result in the same conditions. Keep the mower blades sharp & set to a height of 3 inches for the first cuttings. Mow only in dry weather.

• Water does not run uphill. That’s why it is important to maintain the grading around your home to slope away from the foundation. If you disturb the grading by adding flower beds, shrubs, etc. be sure that a positive grade is maintained. Otherwise, you may end up with a wet basement due to hydronic pressure.

• New shrubs & trees need some care. Dehydration is often the cause of a dead or dying plant. Look for signs of dehydration such as drooping branches, or discolored leaves. It is important to keep all plants watered. Leaf bores and other insects may also cause problems in shrubs and trees. Keep an eye out for holes or spots on leaves. You can take a leaf sample to your local nursery to find out what is causing the abnormality and the treatment for the condition.

Flooring

• Wearing spiked, high heeled shoes may cause damage to all types of flooring and even asphalt driveways (not to mention the wearer’s feet). A 125 lb. person will exert over 2000 lbs. of pressure at the point of such heels. Most builders and manufactures will not warrant damage incurred by wearing high heeled shoes.

• Frequent vacuuming will not harm carpets. It is actually beneficial as it prolongs the life of the carpet by removing dirt. Vacuuming at least once a week is recommended by most carpet manufactures.

• Hardwood floors hate water. Never use water to clean hardwood floors. Do not use wax or cleaners that require mixing with water such as Murphy’s Oil Soap, this may result in loss of warranty. Sweep or vacuum hard woods as often as needed to remove loose dirt or grit before it can scratch the finished floor surface.

• The wheels under your refrigerator move only in two directions. Most refrigerator wheels will move only frontward and backward not side to side. Be careful not to slide the refrigerator sideways when moving it into place. This may cause damage to the flooring. Place a piece of underlayment board or heavy cardboard under all heavy or sharp objects when moving across your new flooring.

Moisture

• Air humidification can sometimes have negative effects on the home. Humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from living in them. Too much humidity can lead to moisture and condensation problems. (see below)

• Excessive humidity is the cause of most window condensation in the home. You can reduce the amount humidity in the home by turning off or down any humidifiers. Turn on the stove exhaust fan when cooking, and bathroom exhaust fans when bathing and showering. Not storing firewood in the home. Making sure all vents to attic are clear and venting properly. Make sure all gas appliances, clothes dryers, and exhaust fans vent to the outside. Install a dehumidifier.

• Millions of dollars are paid by homeowners each year to repair damages incurred by a washing machine hose burst. It is recommended that homeowners install “No Burst” hoses on the washing machine especially if the laundry room is located on the second floor or higher. These hoses are braided with stainless steel and have captive cone washers. Well worth the additional few dollars.

HVAC

• Most furnace filters need to be changed (or cleaned) every four to six weeks. Dirty filters are the number one reason for furnace malfunctions. If you furnace is equipped with an electronic filter, check the owners manual for cleaning instructions. Never run the furnace without a filter installed.

• Air conditioning systems are designed to provide a 20 degree difference from outside temperatures. If the outdoor temperature is 100 degrees, you can expect the indoor temperature to be as high as 80 degrees. A larger degree differential would be unhealthy.

• Loss of air conditioning is not considered an emergency by most service companies unless there is a health risk such as severe Asthma. Air conditioning service calls are generally handled in the order that they are received.

• Air supplied to the home from a “Heat Pump” will not feel hot at the register. Heat pumps provide warm air to the rooms (generally around 90 degrees) which may feel drafty to some people. The furnace is required to maintain an indoor temperature of 70 degrees.

• Outdoor air conditioning condensers and heat pumps must remain level to operate properly. Adjustments should be made by a specialist.

• Most manufactures prefer that outdoor air conditioner units NOT be covered during the winter. Covering the unit may cause moisture to be trapped inside which will cause rust.

• All heating and cooling equipment should be inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician.

Water Heaters

• Most water heaters are equipped with a “Pressure Relief Valve” which should be tested every three months. You can do this by lifting the handle on the valve. If water does not discharge when the handle is lifted the valve is defective and must be replaced. The pressure relief valve is a safety measure installed to keep the water tank from rupturing due to a high pressure condition.

• Mineral deposits are a common occurrence in water heaters. Water should be drained from the bottom of the tank annually to avoid sludge build-up. Remember to shut off the power or gas supply to the heater prior to draining any water from it. Allow the water to drain until it is running clear and free of impurities (usually about 5 gallons).