Inspection Check List

Roof: Look for and mark:q Loose, shifting or cracked shingles, shakes or tiles

q Loose/raised nails

q Looseorwarpedflashingbetweenchimneyandroof

q Cracksorleaksatroofpenetrations(vents,skylights,etc.)

q Signsoficedams(morecommonwithcathedralceilings, tongue&grooveceilings,poorlyinsulatedattics)

q Leakygutters/downspouts

q Full or clogged gutters/downspouts

q Exposed rafters: •Waterdamage •Missingordepletedboraterods(andifso,findout wherethewateriscomingfromtocausethis) •Stainerosion

Contact a professional if you’re not sure of the extent of any damage. Contact us for resources.

Chimney: Look for and mark:q Crackedmortarorfluepipe

q Cracksbetweenchimneyandtheroof

q Cracksbetweenchimneyandthewalls

q Birdsnestsandotherobstructions(Don’tmoveanywild-lifeuntilyou’vecontactedlocalanimalcontrol.)

q Efflorescence(white,powderystains,signofmoisture

infiltration)

q Plantsgrowinginsideorout(signofmoistureinfiltration)

Eaves: Look for and mark:q Insectorothercritterinfiltration(Bats love to hide in the

attic…)

q Water staining on tongue & groove porch ceilings

q Cracksbetweenroofandwalls

q Fasciaandsoffit •Damagedstain •Softwood

Walls: Look for and mark:q Cracked caulk or chinking:

•Aroundwindows

•Arounddoors

•Aroundwallpenetrations(fans,exhaustpipes,etc.)

•Inchecks/cracks

•Betweenlogcourses

q Cracksinbrick,stone,orstuccosurfaces

q Efflorescence

q New/widening cracks in logs/wood

•¼”wideormore=needscaulk

•Lessthan¼”wide=needsstain

q Popped knots

q Insectinfiltration

q Earlysignsofrot:

•Waterstaining

•Softwood

•Mold/mildew

q Itemsstackedagainstthewallthatshouldbemoved(woodpiles,leaves,furniture,etc.)

q Stain

•Erosion

•Discoloration-Somedarkeningisnormal.Fading shouldbemarked.

•Differenceinsheen

•Shedding/beadingwater-Isthesurfacestillrepelling water?

•Peeling/flaking

q Sprinklers–Makesurethey’renothittingthewalls.

q Spigots–Areconnectionsbetweenhoseandspigottightsothey’renotsprayingthewalls?

q Damagefromsplashbacknear

•Leakyguttersanddownspouts

•Groundtowall

q Windows and doors:

•Sills–Isproperdrainagestillinplace?

•Missingordamagedweatherstripping

q Flashingintactabovewindows,doors,wallprojections,intersections

q Borate rods:

•Needtoinstallnewones?

•Checktoseeifthosepresentneedreplacing

Foundations, Decks, Railings & Patios: Look for and mark:Foundation

q Cracksbetweenfoundationandwalls

q Efflorescence

q Cracksinfoundation(includinginstone/brickfascia)

Contact a professional foundation specialist if you’re not sure of the extent of any damage. Conatct us for resources.

Deck/Railings

q Railingsystem:

•Stainerosion,peelingordiscoloration

•Mold/mildew

•Newchecks

•Arespindleweepholesopenandstilldrainingwater?

•Safetycheck-Areallspindlestight?

q Loose planks

q Exposed or popped nail heads

q Properdrainagefromdecktoground–Isitinplace? Is it in good shape?

q Deckstain:

•Erosion

•Discoloration

•Peeling

•Mold/mildew

Patio/Ground

q Properdrainagefromgroundawayfromthehome

q Crackedconcreteinpatio,driveway,sidewalk,garagefloor,etc.

q Pot holes and spalling concrete

q Landscaping:

•Bushesatleast18”awayfromwoodwalls

•Nonaturalmaterialsindirectcontactwithwoodwalls

•Treecanopy-Isitcutbackand/ormonitoredtocontrol pollen,insects,moisturedripping,etc.?

One or two weekends a year should do the trick if you’re doing routine maintenance. Your best bet is to be pre-pared to do the work ahead of time, schedule it on your calendar, and keep some good food around to keep you fueled throughout. Then, kick back and enjoy your (not-so-hard) work.Contact us: 800-767-5656 • www.sashco.co

Start from the top & work your way down.

When To Perform Maintenance ChecksSpring:Lookforwinterdamagefromsittingsnow,freezingwater,chimneyuse,etc.andreadythehomeforhotsummertemperaturesandUVexposure.

Fall:Lookforsummerdamagefromdrivingrains,hightemperatures,andsummerbugsandreadythehomeforcoldwintertemperatures.

Tools of a Good Maintenance Check1. A rough sketchofthewallsofthehome,labeledNorth,

South,East,West,garage,etc.,withspacetonote maintenanceneedsoneachside.

2. Blue painter’s tapetomarklocationsneedingmaintenance(andeasilyrelocatethemlater).

3. Digital camera or phone camera to take picturesofareaswhereyoumighthavequestions or want to discuss further with the homeowner.

4. This Maintenance Checklist brochure.

Once you know what needs to be maintained, it is easier to put together a plan of attack to get the necessary work done in the least amount of time. It will also help you be prepared with the right tools and products when you go back to do the repairs. Use products made for the specific application.

“Smart phones are great for this,since pictures can easily be labeled. Hooray for technology!”

- Caulk Man Dan

800-767-5656www.sashco.com

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Notes