The Home Maintenance Library contains informational pieces on home maintenance, minor repairs, landscaping, plants and generally recognized fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide treatments for the various climate zones through out the country. In additon, articles appearing in the Realtor eNewsLetters™ are archived in the Library for reference.

Care for Hardwood Floors

To clean minor spots and stains from wood floors, wipe the floor with a barely damp sponge. If the stains remain, use a mild cleanser to remove them. Rinse the floor with a clean, damp sponge to remove residue.

To restore the floor's luster, buff it lightly, wax, then buff again. Vacuum or sweep the floor weekly; wax once or twice annually.

Hardwood Floor

Carpet colors and vinyl patterns may come and go, but one flooring material that never falls from grace is wood. Tough, durable, natural, and warm, wood is perhaps the most practical of all flooring materials.

There are three main types of wood flooring: strip, plank, and parquet. Strip flooring, the standard for homes built during most of the twentieth century, is made from 1_ or 2_ by _ in. thick strips of hardwood that are laid parallel. They have interlocking tongue-and-groove edges. Planks are wider–from 3 to 8 in. wide–and may be laid in random lengths or with real or simulated pegs at the ends. Parquet or herringbone flooring are made from small pieces that are laid in intricate patterns.

Its thickness gives solid-wood flooring an advantage over a laminated one. Solid-wood flooring may be sanded and refinished numerous times. Laminated floors have a surface layer that is no more than 1/8 in. thick. Once this goes, the floor goes.

Most of today's hardwood floors are coated with urethanes and acrylics that are durable, water-resistant, and require very little care.

Stone Siding Maintenance

If mold, mildew, or lichens start growing on the stone surfaces of your home, remove them promptly by using a dry, stiff scrub brush. After brushing, clean the surface with a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 4 cups of water to kill any remaining spores. To keep mold, mildew, or lichens from forming, make sure that water drains away from stonework and does not pool on it, and let as much sunshine as possible reach the stone.

Stone Siding

Stone is an attractive, durable, and more expensive choice than brick. Unfortunately, stone is not as available as brick and not every stone works for masonry work. Some types are too soft and others are too porous. However, there are alternatives to brick and stone that contain all the advantages at a lower cost.

What appear to be stone and brick walls on houses may actually be a lightweight concrete manufactured stone veneer or cultured stone. A mixture of Portland cement, natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments is poured into molds made from real stones. The result, available in a broad palette of colors and styles, looks incredibly realistic.

Architectural blocks are another attractive, virtually indestructible option. These are essentially the same as conventional concrete blocks, except they resemble polished granite, look like hand hewn stone or tile, or have other decorative finishes.

Central Air Conditioning

Keep both the exit and return registers free from dust or being blocked by furniture to ensure optimum efficiency. Change or clean the filter on the inside half of your heat pump on a monthly basis. Keeping this filter free of dust will keep your system running efficiently. The outside motor should be kept free from weeds, leaves, and other yard debris. During winter, keep snow and ice from accumulating on or around the unit. Allowing the motor to breath is also essential to maintaining efficiency.

Start Your Spring Cleaning in the Garage

It is easy to make the garage a catchall for the things that do not have a place. Before long, you have a mess on your hands and the car is in the driveway or on the street. If you start your spring cleaning in the garage, you can get those garden tools and other necessities neatly arranged for quick access. Here are some tips for organizing your garage.

• Arrange items that you want to keep into separate piles.
• Determine what kinds of containers to use for storage.
• Hang pegs to organize certain items.
• Bicycles can be hung from the rafters when not in use.
• Keep as many items off the floor as possible so it is easier to sweep. Dust from the garage ends up in the home.
• If you have bare studs in the garage, place slats of wood across the studs to create bins for sports equipment and gardening tools.
• Hammer nails into the wall or into the studs for tools or other articles.
• Keep similar items together in labeled containers and go through them before each season to throw out items you are not using anymore.
• Hang shelves and mark storage containers with toys, tennis balls, nails, or lawn chemicals.
• Use hooks instead of nails for outdoor clothing, backpacks, or umbrellas.
• Keep the items you will need for each season in the front of the garage.
• Strap bats or fishing rods together for storage and transport.
• Take this opportunity to inventory items you will need for the next season.
• Hang up garden hoses, spare tires, or other unwieldy equipment to prevent accidents.

Hot Water Heater Maintenance

To maintain efficient operation, open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and drain five gallons of water or until it runs clear to prevent sediment build up. This should be done twice a year. Calcium carbonate is a mineral that settles on the bottom of the tank when the water is heated. The harder the water in your area, the more sediment will be present. Water softeners can slow the build up of sediment, but too much softener will corrode the anode more quickly and hasten its replacement.

The anode is a rod made of aluminum or magnesium wrapped around a steel core wire and screwed into the top of the tank. Physically connected to the steel of the tank, it creates an electrochemical reaction whereby the anode corrodes and the steel remains intact. When there is no metal left on the anode, the water heater begins to rust from the inside out. Generally, an anode will last five years before it needs to be replaced.

At least once a year you should test the temperature pressure relief valve by lifting or depressing its handle and letting it snap back into place. Doing this should release a short burst of water into the overflow drainpipe. If water does not drain out, the valve needs to be replaced. The temperature pressure relief valve opens if the temperature or pressure in the tank gets too high.

On gas water heaters, ensuring the pilot light is lit and operating correctly is important. Most gas heaters have a thermocouple device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. When lit, the flame should be blue with a tinge of orange to indicate complete combustion. If it is orange or yellow, adjust the shutter. If you adjust the shutter and the flame remains orange or yellow, call a service expert.

Twice a year the flue assembly should be inspected to ensure proper alignment and all the joints are sealed. Check the flue by placing your hand near the draft diverter while the burner is on. Air flowing out indicates an obstruction. If you smell gas, call the utility company immediately.

Most new water heaters are manufactured as energy saving units with built in insulation. However, if you want to further insulate your water heater to keep the water warmer longer, you can buy ready-to-install water insulation blankets or make your own from a roll of fiberglass insulation. When wrapping the tank, tape all the seams. Cutouts for the thermostat, controls, and drain faucets should also be made. On an electric water heater, cut a cap of insulation to fit the top. Do not forget to make openings for the inlet and outlet pipes. On a gas heater, do not cover the burner access and leave two inches of exposed area around the flue collar.

If you have to replace your water heater look for the following items: 1) tank capacity—a 40-gallon tank suits most households, but the larger the tank, the more hot water available, 2) R-Value—the better insulated the unit, the more efficient it will be, and 3) installation clearance—how much space you should leave between the unit and combustible materials.

Hot Water Heaters

Hot water plays a vital role in our everyday life. We shower (who likes a cold shower?), wash our clothes, and wash our dishes daily using hot water. But where does the hot water come from? And why does it run out?

In many of our homes, water is heated in a gas or electric water heater that usually holds between 40 and 50 gallons of water. The water is kept heated at a pre-set temperature and refilled and heated as necessary. When the water goes cold, one of several things has happened. You either exhausted the supply of water in the tank and it has not heated the new supply yet, your thermostat is set too low or your water heater is broken.

Water heaters work like this, whenever someone turns on a hot water faucet, heated water is drawn from the tank and replaced by cold water through a dip tube. When the water temperature drops, the thermostat activates the heat source. Electric units use two heating elements to heat the water, while gas heaters use a burner and have a flue that vents the burned gases. An anti-corrosion anode attracts corrosion that would otherwise attack the tank’s walls.

A thermostat regulates the water’s temperature. The setting depends upon the number of people in the home and whether you have a dishwasher. For homes with a dishwasher it has been recommended that the lowest the thermostat should be set is 140º F. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that consumers should set their thermostats to 120º F to reduce the risk of tap water scald injuries. If 120º F is not high enough, CPSC recommends that consumers set the thermostat to the lowest setting that will satisfy the hot water needs of the home. In addition to avoiding injury, lowering the thermostat can also save as much as 10% on your energy costs. Electric heaters benefit the most from this approach to saving energy. Adjusting the thermostat is relatively easy. Simply locate the thermostat dial and follow your instruction manual on how to lower the temperature. Timers are also available which automatically control the temperature to conform to the water usage schedule of your home. Timers prevent the water heater from maintaining hot water when it is not needed.

Asphalt Replacement

To replace damaged shingles, bend back the shingles above the damaged shingles and remove the nails holding the broken shingle in place. Slide the new shingle into place and nail it down. Glue or nail down the bent back shingles in place.

Asphalt Roof

Modern roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some, such as slate and wood shakes, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile, are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different durability, appearance, cost, and ease of application.

Although most modern roofs appear to be made almost entirely of shingles or tiles, they are actually waterproofing systems, made of components that work together. These systems include framing, sheathing, an under layer, flashing, and finish roofing.

Asphalt shingle roofs cap about 80% of American houses. They may be applied directly over older asphalt shingles, roll roofing, or roofing felt on solid sheathing. The asphalt/fiberglass varieties are more fire-resistant than the organic asphalt types.

Raking and Mulching

When fall leaves start accumulating on your lawn, it is time to develop a program to use them. If left on the ground, the leaves may smother turf, ivy, or other ground cover. Rake often; it only takes a week's worth of leaves to kill patches of your lawn.

Leaves from some trees tend to dry and decompose quickly. Others take longer and can damage your lawn or interfere with the process of turf renewal and perennial planting. Raking is beneficial to turf; in ground covers and garden beds, leaf sweepers, blowers, and vacuums may be used.

Shredding is a great way to reduce the volume of leaves on your lawn; a 2-in. layer of dry leaves can be reduced to a 1/8-in. dusting of shredded leaves. Leaves can be shredded to a dust that will not bury grass. If wind blows the leaves around, you should collect them. Shredders and chippers are used for this.

If you have a compost pile, shredded leaves will speed up decomposition; if you pay collection fees, shredded leaves mean fewer bags to be picked up. Leaves contain valuable nutrients and organic matter that fertilize gardens when tilled into plots. Shredded leaves can be used as mulch around trees, shrubs, or garden beds If you live in an alkaline area, mulch made from leaves may need additional acidifiers.

Leaf raking is good exercise. It is a good idea to stretch to warm up your muscles before raking because it is easier to get back pain in cooler weather. Stretching is an important activity after you finish. Take these precautions to prevent back strain.

• Do not overfill leaf bags.
• Bring the full bags close to your body and lift them with your arms and legs, not your back.
• Use a rake with an ergonomic handle or build it up with plastic tubing to soften your grip.
• Take frequent breaks and do not overextend or twist your body.
• Carry the leaves in a wagon or wheelbarrow to avoid too much lifting or carrying.
• Avoid raking wet leaves.

Central Heat Maintenance

Keep both the exit and return registers free from dust or being blocked by furniture to ensure optimum efficiency. Change or clean the filter on the inside half of your heat pump on a monthly basis. Keeping this filter free of dust will keep your system running efficiently.

The outside motor should be kept free from weeds, leaves, and other yard debris. During the winter months, keep snow and ice from accumulating on or around the unit. Allowing the motor to breath is also essential to maintaining efficiency.

Window Maintenance

The Glass

Clean, streak-free windows require a little more effort that squirting a window cleaning solution on them and wiping with a paper towel.

To get your windows really clean use a cap full of ammonia or 4 to 6 drops of liquid dish soap in 2 gallons of water. Using a sponge, lightly cover the window with the cleaning solution. Using a squeegee, dip it into the cleaning solution and begin clearing the window by starting at the top corner and pulling down to within a few inches from the bottom of the glass. Repeat this procedure until you have removed the solution from the top portion of the window. Next, take the squeegee and pull it across the bottom of the window horizontally to finish cleaning the window. When finished, take a dry paper towel and wipe the bottom of the window frame where a lot of the cleaning solution will have gathered.

Wood Window Frames

Visually inspect your windowpanes and the putty that holds the glass inside the frame. Replace broken glass or cracked or missing putty to keep windows from becoming a source of heat or cooling loss. Check for peeling paint or paint in poor condition. Bad paint will allow moisture to attack the wood frame thereby lessening its life. Repaint if necessary.

In addition, check the outside of the window frame where it meets the wall. Make sure the caulking is still in place and fill any gaps or cracks. Also, check the window seals for tightness. If they are loose, you may need to add weather stripping.

Metal and Vinyl Frames

Visually inspect your windowpanes and rubber seals that holds the glass in place. If the seal is broken or the glass is cracked or broken, have the window repaired by a professional. If you have double or triple pane windows, look for moisture between the panes of glass. Moisture will indicate that a seal has failed and the window will not be as energy efficient as it was when new.

In addition, check the outside of the window frame where it meets the wall. Make sure the caulking is still in place and fill any gaps or cracks. Also, check the weather stripping to make sure it is still in good condition.

Repairing a Screen

To repair a hole in a screen, first remove the screen from the window. Cut a piece of replacement screen just large enough to cover the hole and using a needle and nylon thread, stitch the replacement piece in place over the hole. When finished, tie off the thread and cut away any excess thread and strands of screen. Replace the screen in the window.

Replace a Screen

To replace a window screen, first remove the screen from the window and place it on a hard, flat, large surface. Remove the rubber edging from the screen and remove the screen. Using a replacement roll of screening, measure to the outer edges of the frame. Place the screen onto the frame and with a screen rolling tool, start in one corner and slowly press a new piece of rubber into place to hold the screen in the frame. When finished, cut away any excess screen.

Replace a Broken Pane of Glass

To replace a broken pane of glass, carefully remove the old putty from the edges of the glass and then remove the glass and the glazing points—the small metal anchors used to hold the glass in place. Next, measure the area where the glass will sit and have a piece of glass cut for you at your local hardware store. Use new glazing points to hold the glass in place and secure it with putty. Be sure to use enough putty to hold the glass securely in place and to keep out drafts and moisture. Let the putty harden overnight before opening the window or painting the putty.

Fire Detectors

Working smoke detectors should be placed on every level of your home and in all bedrooms. Check your smoke detectors to guarantee proper operation using the smoke detector’s test button the first of every month.

Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences can be effective for keeping pets contained in smaller areas, such as the typical residential yard. Smaller versions of these fences also work well as property borders and can help deter your neighbor from parking his rust bucket on your side of the yard.

Although some people find chain link less attractive than other fencing options, it is extremely durable. Most chain link fences are galvanized and require minimal maintenance after being installed.

Chain link obviously provides minimal privacy–your neighbors will have no problem seeing your yard activities–but planting shrubs and small trees near the fence line can minimize the wiry look and add privacy.

Chain link fence gates typically use latches that partially encircle the metal posts. A padlock can be attached to holes in these latches for added security.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Inspect your fire extinguishers to ensure the lever and nozzle are in their proper positions. The ring pin should be engaged to ensure the proper charge. After each use, have the extinguisher recharged so you are always ready to fight the fire and win!

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers add another element of safety to your home and come in handy for extinguishing small fires before they become big fires. But not all fire extinguishers can extinguish all fires. Basically, there are four different types of fire extinguishers, rated in four different classes.

Ratings

• Class A extinguishers will put out fires made of combustibles such as wood or paper.
• Class B extinguishers can be used to put out fires involving flammable liquids such as grease, oil, and gasoline.
• Class C extinguishers can be used to put out fires from an electrical source.
• Class D extinguishers are used to put out fires from flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal burning.

Many of today's fire extinguishers have multi class ratings, usually A, B, and C, and are the most useful around the home because of their diversity.

Types of Extinguishers

• Water filled extinguishers should only be used on class A fires.
• Carbon dioxide filled extinguishers are used mainly to fight class B and C fires. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid and when released it quickly changes into a gas to extinguish the flames.
• Halon filled fire extinguishers are often used to fight electrical fires because the chemical leaves no residue to clean up.
• Dry chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multipurpose use and contain an extinguishing agent that is propelled by a nonflammable gas.

Using an Extinguisher

If the time comes for you to use a fire extinguisher, remember this word, PASS. This acronym stands for pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep and tells you all you need to know about fighting a fire, regardless of the type of extinguisher you are using.

First, pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher to release the handle. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handles to discharge the firefighting agent inside. You should stand at least 8 ft. away from the fire when doing this. Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire to extinguish the blaze.

HOME INVENTORY TIPS

Each item is important to you for one reason or another. Updating your home inventory should be a priority when purchasing valuable items. Check your home insurance policy to ensure the limits on special items.

The best way to begin your inventory is to start in the attic or on the top floor and work your way down to the basement. When doing your home inventory, be specific and list as much information as possible.

• Include the name, address, and phone number of any and all independent appraisers with each item appraisal.
• Record serial numbers of all items.
• Keep receipts and descriptions together.
• Closets, attics, and basements all contain valuable items, so include them in your inventory.

POPULAR STOLEN ITEMS

CRIME PREVENTION AND SECURITY

• Install strong locks on your ground level doors and windows.
• Purchase a timer to turn on lights when you are away from home, or leave a couple lights on.
• If you are away for an extended period, stop your mail and newspaper deliveries so the home does not seem empty.
• Do not talk to strangers or people you do not know very well about going away. This can happen innocently in a bank or grocery store line and others may be listening.
• Ask a close relative, the police, or a trusted neighbor to check on your home. One of these people could also bring in the mail and newspaper if you do not stop delivery.
• Insure your valuables and update your Home Inventory.
• Make a note of serial numbers or unusual marks on popular stolen items.
• Keep valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Research alarm systems and install one that is within your budget.
• Plant prickly shrubs and bushes under windows. This can deter a would-be burglar.
• Prune the trees and shrubs close to your home.