Page 81 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance and cannot be prevented. In some cases, it can be removed by scrubbing with a stiff brush and strong vinegar. Consult your home center or hardware store for commercial products to remove efflorescence. • Since stucco is not a water barrier, avoid spraying water from irrigation or watering systems on stucco surfaces. Check the spray from the lawn and plant irrigation system frequently to make certain that water is not spraying or accumulating on stucco surfaces. GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS Gutters are designed to carry excess water off the roof and away from the foundation. It is necessary that the gutters be kept clear of debris, which might clog them and cause the water to run over the sides instead of through the downspouts. Downspouts are placed to carry water to the ground and sometimes into extensions, which then direct the flow away from the foundation of the home. These extensions are for the protection of the foundation. It is of vital importance that you maintain them in the down position at all times. Failure to keep downspout extensions in a down position may void your warranty. Rain water, which is allowed to puddle by your foundation, will eventually seep through into the soil next to your foundation walls and basement slab, promoting possible foundation or basement slab damage, and/or settlement causing negative drainage. By taking a few minutes each spring to clean the leaves and other debris out of your gutters and downspouts, you will assure uninterrupted flow of rain water. Maintenance Guidelines • Gutters and downspouts should be inspected and cleaned twice a year. Gutters should be cleared of accumulated debris such as leaves, twigs, branches, balls, and other objects. • If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a commercial gutter caulking compound available at hardware stores. • Use caution when leaning ladders against gutters as this may cause dents. • Gutters need to slope slightly downward to channel water to the downspout. The soil grade must slope away from the home. • Winter storms, followed by mild temperatures, followed by more winter storms, can cause “freeze- thaw cycles,” resulting in sizable accumulations of ice and snow on the roof. These are called “ice dams.” • The ice build-up in the rain gutters, and the pressure and movement of the ice, may cause roof damage and water leakage into the home during a thaw. The best advice is to keep the gutters free of debris. KEYS AND LOCKS No key used during construction of your home will operate after you have taken possession. Additionally, if you live in a community that has a clubhouse or pool house that requires keys, the keys presented to you for these areas cannot be duplicated. If they are lost or misplaced, they can be re-cut at an additional expense to you. If you belong to a homeowners association they can help you. Maintenance Guidelines • Deadbolt locks may be featured on your exterior doors. During the changing seasons you will notice that sometimes your deadbolts latch smoothly and other times they do not. This occurs because your door and door jamb are expanding and contracting with the changing outside temperatures. This is normal. In time, you may want to readjust your strike plate to compensate for the change. LANDSCAPING - DRAINAGE SWALES AND BELOW SURFACE DRAIN LINES Your yard has been graded for proper drainage. It has been designed to move water away from your home. Your yard’s drainage system may consist of graded surface swales and below surface drain lines. Keep these systems clean, and free of debris, so that water will move away from your home. If you have below surface drain lines, keep the drain lines free of dirt, leaves, and other debris. Patio Home and Townhome Owners Take Note: If you notice any problems with your exterior landscaping, including lawn, plants, trees, yard grade, sprinkler systems, etc., that were installed by us and maintained by your Association, take the lead and report it to your Edition July 2019 | 63