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Fireplace
Most of us feel a fireplace is an excellent way to create a warm, cozy atmosphere. However, without sufficient information, your use of the fireplace can result in heat (and dollars) being wasted. To help prevent that, consider the following points.
Look upon burning a fire as a luxury that adds much to the atmosphere but just a little to the heat in a home. About 10 percent of the heat produced by a fire is radiated into the house. In many older homes, the air used by the fireplace for combustion is replaced with cold outside air drawn in through cracks around doors and windows. However, your home is constructed so tightly that this does not happen. The builder installs a fresh air vent to supply the fireplace with combustion air and reduce the amount of heated air the fire draws from your house. Open this vent before starting the fire as you do the damper.
Close the damper and cold air vent when not in use. Leaving these open is equivalent to having an open window in the house. If the fire is still burning, but you are finished enjoying it, use glass doors to prevent heated air from being drawn up the chimney until your damper can be closed.
One caution on the use of glass doors: do not close them over a roaring fire, especially if you are burning hard woods (such as oak or hickory) because this could break the glass. Also, when closing the doors over a burning fire, open the mesh screens first. This prevents excessive heat build up on the mesh, which might result in warping or discoloration.
Your objective in building a fire should be a clean, steady, slow burning fire. Begin with a small fire to allow the components of the fireplace to heat up slowly. Failure to do so may damage the fireplace and can void the warranty. Start the fire by burning kindling and newspaper under the grate; two to three layers of logs stacked with air space between, largest logs to the rear, works best. One sheet of paper burned on top of the stack will help the chimney start to draw. Any logs 6 inches in diameter or larger should be split.
Do not burn trash in the fireplace and never use any type of liquid fire starter.
Remove old ashes and coals from under the grate when completely cool. A light layer is desirable as an insulator and will help to reflect heat.
Chimney Cleaning
Creosote and other wood-burning by products accumulate inside the flue over a period of time. This build-up can be a fire hazard. The way you use your fireplace and the type of wood you burn determine the frequency of your chimney cleanings. For instance, burning soft woods or improperly seasoned woods necessitates more frequent cleaning. Hire a qualified chimney sweep for this cleaning.
Spark Arrester
If the spark arrester becomes clogged, the diminished airflow will affect the performance of the fireplace and may be a fire hazard. Have the arrester cleaned professionally when needed.
Gas Fireplace
Most builders offer direct-vent gas fireplaces. If you ordered this type of fireplace, it is demonstrated during the orientation. Read and follow all manufacturers’ directions.
A slight delay between turning the switch on and flame ignition is normal. The flames should ignite gently and silently. If you notice any deviation from this and any gas smell, immediately shut off the switch and report it to the gas company.
Excessive winds can cause a downdraft, which can blow out the pilot, requiring you to relight it before using the fireplace.
The exterior vent cover for a direct-vent gas fireplace becomes extremely hot when the fireplace is operating.
Foundation
The builder installs the foundation of your home according to the recommendations of their consulting engineer. The walls of the foundation are poured concrete with steel reinforcing rods. To protect your home's foundation, follow guidelines for installation and maintenance of landscaping and drainage in this manual.
Cracks
Even though an engineer designed the foundation and the builder constructed it according to engineering requirements, surface cracks can still develop in the wall. Surface cracks are not detrimental to the structural integrity of your home. If a crack develops in a foundation wall that allows water to come through, contact your builder.
Dampness
Due to the amount of water in concrete, basements may be damp. Condensation can form on water lines and drip onto the floor.
Future Construction in Basement
If you decide to perform additional construction in the basement, obtain guidelines from a licensed engineer, obtain a building permit, and comply with all codes and safety requirements. We do not warrant that you will be able to obtain such a permit because of the possibility that building codes may change.
Garage Overhead Door
Since the garage door is a large, moving object, periodic maintenance is necessary.
30-Weight Oil
Every six months, apply a 30-weight automobile oil or similar lubricant to all moving parts: track, rollers, hinges, pulleys, and springs. At the same time, check to see that all hardware is tight and operating as intended without binding or scraping. Avoid over lubricating to prevent drips on vehicles or the concrete floor.
Lock
If the lock becomes stiff, apply a silicone or graphite lubricant. Do not use oil on a lock, as it will stiffen in winter and make the lock difficult to operate.
Opener
To prevent damage to a garage door opener, be sure the door is completely unlocked and the rope-pull has been removed before using the operator. If you have an opener installed after closing on your home, we suggest that you order it from the company that provided and installed the garage door to assure uninterrupted warranty coverage. Be familiar with the steps for manual operation of the door in the event of a power failure.
If the builder installed a door opener as one of your selections, during orientation they demonstrate the electric eye that provides a safety stop in the event someone crosses through the opening while the overhead door is in motion. Use care not to place tools or other stored items where they interfere with the function of the electric eye.
Painting
Repaint the garage door when you repaint your home, or more often if needed to maintain a satisfactory appearance.
Safety
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and reliable operation. Do not allow anyone except the operator near the door when it is in motion. Keep hands and fingers away from all parts of the door except the handle. Do not allow children to play with or around the door.
For your safety, after the expiration of the one-year warranty, have any needed adjustments made by a qualified specialist. The door springs are under a considerable amount of tension and require special tools and knowledge for accurate and safe servicing. Have the door inspected by a professional garage door technician after any significant impact to the door.
Sag
The garage door may sag slightly due to its weight and span. This will stabilize after the panels have dried.
Gas Shut-Offs
You will find shut-offs on gas lines near their connection to each item that operates on gas. In addition, there is a main shut-off at the meter. The builder should point these out during the orientation. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the home and call the gas company immediately for emergency service.
Gas Water Heater
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's literature for your specific model of water heater.
Condensation
Condensation inside your new water heater may drip onto the burner flame. This causes no harm and in most cases will disappear in a short period of time.
Drain Tank
Review and follow manufacturer's timetable and instructions for draining several gallons of water from the bottom of the water heater. This reduces the build-up of chemical deposits from the water, prolonging the life of the tank and saving energy dollars.
Pilot
Never light a gas pilot when the water heater tank is empty. Always turn off the gas before shutting off the cold water supply to the tank.
To light the water heater pilot, first remove the cover panel on the tank to expose the pilot. Then rotate the on-off pilot knob to the pilot position. When the knob is in this position, the red button can be depressed.
While depressing the red button, hold a match at the pilot. Once the pilot lights continue to hold the red button down for 30 to 60 seconds. When you release the red button, the pilot should stay lit. If it does not, wait several minutes to allow the gas to dissipate from the tank and repeat the entire process. If it stays lit, rotate the on-off pilot knob to the on position.
Reinstall the cover panel and then adjust the temperature setting with the regulating knob on the front of the tank.
Water heaters sometimes collect small quantities of dirty water and scale in the main gas lines, which may put out the pilot light.
While away from home for an extended period of time, set the temperature to its lowest point and leave the pilot lit.
Safety
Vacuum the area around a gas fired water heater to prevent dust from interfering with proper flame combustion. Avoid using the top of a heater as a storage shelf.
Temperature
The recommended thermostat setting for normal everyday use is “normal.” Higher settings can result in wasted energy dollars and increase the danger of injury from scalding. Hot water will take longer to arrive at sinks, tubs, and showers that are farther from the water heater.
No Hot Water
If you discover that you have no hot water, check the pilot, temperature setting, and water supply valve before calling for service. Refer to the manufacturer's literature for specific locations of these items and other troubleshooting information.
Grading and Drainage
The final grades around your home have been inspected and approved for proper drainage of your lot. The surveyor completes a drainage certification and then the local building authorities as well as the builder inspect the site.
Drainage
Typically, the grade around your home should slope 1 foot in the first 10 feet, tapering to a
2 percent slope. In most cases, drainage swales do not follow property boundaries. Maintain the slopes around your home to permit the water to drain away from the home as rapidly as possible. This is essential to protect your foundation. Failure to do so can result in major structural damage and will void your warranty.
Roof Water
Do not remove the splash blocks or downspout extensions from under the downspouts. Keep these in place at all times, sloped so the water drains away from your home quickly.
Rototilling
Rototilling can significantly change drainage swales. You can minimize this by rototilling parallel to the swales rather than across them.
Settling
The area the builder excavated for your home's foundation was larger than the home to allow room to work. In addition, some trenching is necessary for installation of utility lines. Although the builder replaced and compacted the soil, it does not return to its original density. Some settling will occur, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall or melting of large 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.
See also Landscaping.
Gutters and Downspouts
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.
Paint
Gutters and downspouts are painted to match your home. You should repaint them when you repaint your home.
Snow and Ice
Clear excess snow from downspouts as soon as possible to allow the gutter to drain and prevent damage. Severe ice or snow build-up can damage gutters, and such damage is not covered by the limited warranty.
Hardware
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 tighten screws.
Hardwood Floors
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. When polyurethane finishes become soiled damp mop with a mixture of one cup vinegar to one gallon of warm water. When damp mopping, remove all excess water from the mop. Check with the hardwood company if your floor has a water-based finish.
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.
Furniture Legs
Install proper floor protectors on furniture placed on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Regularly clean the protectors to remove any grit that may have accumulated.
Humidity
Wood floors respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your home. Especially during winter months the individual planks or pieces expand and contract as water content changes. A humidifier helps but does not eliminate this reaction.
Mats and Area Rugs
Use protective mats at the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the floor. Gritty sand is wood flooring's worst enemy. However, be aware that rubber backing on area rugs or mats can cause yellowing and warping of the floor surface.
Recoat
If your floors have a polyurethane finish, you may want to have an extra coat of polyurethane applied by a qualified contractor within six months to one year. The exact timing will depend on your particular lifestyle. If another finish was used, refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Separation
Expect some shrinkage around heat vents or any heat-producing appliances, or during seasonal weather changes.
See also Warping.
Shoes
Keep high heels in good repair. Heels that have lost their protective cap (thus exposing the fastening nail) will exert over 8,000 pounds of pressure per square inch on the floor. That's enough to damage hardened concrete; it will mark your wood floor.
Spills
Clean up food spills immediately with a dry cloth. Use a vinegar-and-warm-water solution for tough food spills.
Splinters
When floors are new, small splinters of wood can appear.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to hardwood floors. To preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, install and use window coverings in these areas.
Traffic Paths
A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely.
Warping
Warping will occur if the floor repeatedly becomes wet or is thoroughly soaked even once. Slight warping in the area of heat vents or heat-producing appliances is also typical.
Wax
Waxing and the use of products like oil soap are neither necessary nor recommended. Once you wax a polyurethane finish floor, recoating is difficult because the new finish will not bond to the wax. The preferred maintenance is preventive cleaning and recoating annually or as needed to maintain the desired luster. |
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