Wednesday, October 9, 2013

INSPECTOR INSIGHTS: FALL MAINTENANCE

With the onset of fall weather and the rain and storms, maintenance on the exterior areas of the home becomes more important. After a major event a quick look at the roofing surfaces with a pair of binoculars from the ground can often reveal problem areas or damage. Also look on the ground if wind damage is suspected; look for roofing materials from your roof indicating there is damage. If you suspect a roof leak, look in your attic if it is accessible and safe to do so. Ensure any valley areas are free of debris. A check of the gutter for cleaning is also recommended. Check the downspouts to ensure they are attached properly. For downspouts that are discharging onto lower roof areas we recommend extending and directing them into the lower gutter to avoid premature wear on the roofing materials. Climbing a ladder can difficult or even dangerous. Another product that is available is a downspout debris catcher. They are installed in the downspouts at ground level. Two advantages are that they are readily accessible for the homeowner to check even in adverse conditions and they help prevent debris entering the perimeter drains.

One area that is often overlooked is the perimeter drains. The perimeter drain functions by lowering the water table in below grade basements and crawlspaces. They keep your basement and crawlspace dry which is important for your health, safety and the general condition of your home. In order to do this they need to flow properly. As they are buried and hidden they are often overlooked. Depending on the age of your home, the soil conditions present, the materials and installation practices used, and other factors a visual inspection by video camera may prove beneficial. The video camera operator can identify and assess the condition and make recommendations for maintenance or repairs that will ensure the proper function of the system and prolong its lifespan as much as possible. Typical problems encountered are blockages due to silt build up or obstructions such as roots or partial collapse of the pipe or Clay or concrete tiles or shifting of the pipe.

Roland Klann, RHI BC Licence 47331 HomePro Systems2000 Inc. 604 240 3314 www.Homeprosystems2000.ca 
 

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