Homeowner Maintenance Manual

S E C T I O N 4 — H OM E C OM P O N E N T S A N D T O P I C S

amounts of snow. Settling can continue for several years. Inspect the perimeter of your home regularly for signs of settling and fill settled areas as needed to maintain positive drainage.

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS Homeowner Care and Maintenance Check gutters periodically and remove leaves or other debris. Materials that accumulate in gutters can slow water drainage from the roof, cause overflows, and clog the downspouts. Extensions or Splash Blocks Extensions should discharge outside of rock or bark beds so that water is not dammed behind the edging materials that might be used. Ladders Use caution when leaning ladders against gutters, as this may cause dents. Leaks If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a commercial gutter caulking compound available at hardware stores.

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HARDWARE Homeowner Care and Maintenance

Doorknobs and locks should operate correctly with little attention. Over time, they may need slight adjustments due to normal shrinkage of the framing. Occasionally, you may need to apply lubrication or tighten screws.

HARDWOOD FLOORS Homeowner Care and Maintenance In daily care of hardwood floor, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. Cleaning Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet-mop a hardwood floor. Excessive water causes wood to expand and can possibly damage the floor. Refer to the manufacturer’s care guide for cleaning product recommendations. Dimples Placing heavy furniture or dropping heavy or sharp objects on hardwood floors can result in dimples. Filmy Appearance A white, filmy appearance can result from moisture, often from wet shoes or boots.

C E N T U R Y C OMM U N I T I E S

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