#1 - I have been in my home for about a year now and I have noticed that I a couple of areas that the caulk seems to be loose and peeling away. When and how often should I re-caulk?
Answer: Regularly check both the exterior and interior of your home for any places that may need to be re-caulked. Generally, wherever two different building materials meet, an opening may occur that needs to be caulked periodically. Fill them as soon as possible with the appropriate caulking. Regular maintenance of caulking protects against moisture damage and seals against dust, dirt and insects.
It is important to use the correct caulking for specific areas. Talk to a hardware professional to find out the best type of caulking for the area. Buy the best. Spend a few extra dollars for the best grade caulk.
#2 - I have been in my house for a couple of years now and was wondering how often I need to reseal my deck?
Answer: In order to find out if it is time to reseal your deck, pour a glass of water onto the wood. If the surface turns noticeably darker, the wood needs to be resealed. If the water beads up, the surface of your deck is still protected.
#3 - I noticed that my new home has certain electrical outlets that are labeled, GFCI, what type of outlets are they and what does that mean?
Answer: Your home has Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI) on some kitchen, bathroom, garage, unfinished rooms and outside receptacles. These devices are designed to monitor electrical currents and sense fluctuations in power. If a GFCI circuit trips during normal use, it may be an indication of a faulty appliance. Also remember, heavy appliances such as a freezer will trip the GFCI breaker. Do not plug a refrigerator or freezer into a GFCI controlled outlet.
#4 - How often should I change the filter in my furnace?
Answer: Filters should be changed at least every two months. If is helpful to buy disposable filters in large quantities for convenience.
#5 - With winter soon on its way, should I do anything specific with the plumbing in my house to protect the pipes?
Answer: Cold weather hints include:
- During periods of extremely cold weather, let hot and cold faucets drip.
- Close the vents and access doors to your crawl space.
- Keep garage doors closed.
- Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to expose pipes to heat.
#6 - I have noticed some slight black streaks on my gutters, are they full of leaves and should I be worried about this?
Answer: Black streaks on your gutters are normal. These streaks are from acid rain and weathering (run off from new shingles). Make cleaning the gutters part of your regular seasonal home maintenance schedule. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris. If gutters and downspouts are blocked, the water drainage system will not function properly, eventually causing leak
