Here are some of the other things WickesWorks can help you with
[symple_highlight color=”yellow”]Porches, decks and landscaping[/symple_highlight]
- Check for loose handrails, banisters, and stair coverings. Buckled or cracked walks should be repaired.
- Trees should be healthy, have good root structure, and placed at a safe distance from the home.
- Trim shrubbery branches away from siding to help prevent insect and moisture damage. Mulch and earth should be kept eight inches below siding.
[symple_highlight color=”yellow”]Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors[/symple_highlight]
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries once a year or as needed.
- Replace units every eight to 10 years.
[symple_highlight color=”yellow”]Foundations and Basements[/symple_highlight]
- Check foundations for signs of settling. Foundation walls should not appear to be bulging or shifting. Any cracks should be repaired.
- Look in basement and crawl spaces for dampness and leakage. Standing water could be a sign of improper drainage, which can weaken the foundation.
- Test your sump pump before the start of every wet season. Battery-operated back-up sump pumps can help protect against power failure or failure of the primary pump.
[symple_highlight color=”yellow”]Plumbing[/symple_highlight]
- Look around and under appliances and fixtures for leaks or signs of wear.
- Make sure that shutoff valves at all fixtures and the main water line are working, and check them annually.
- Insulate or relocate all exposed water pipes to protect them from freezing and bursting. Think about replacing your outdoor water faucets with frost-proof sill cocks.
- Consider installing an automatic water shutoff system.
- Replace washing machine water hoses every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance plan.
- Check ice-maker and dishwasher lines for kinks or leaky connections.
- Check your water heater. Most water heaters last eight to 12 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home and always be located next to a floor drain.
[symple_highlight color=”yellow”]Electrical and mechanical systems[/symple_highlight]
- Have heating and cooling professionals check your air conditioning and furnace. Consider about having your air ducts cleaned.
- Have an electrician inspect your electrical system for safety and performance.
- Plug sensitive electronic equipment and appliances into UL-listed surge protector power strips.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper, and the space under the dryer. Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and may cause a fire.