Page 87 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance caulking and grout, frost damage to piping, and poor drainage away from the foundation. With the ever-increasing national concern regarding the development of mold in commercial and residential structures, K. Hovnanian® Homes has proactively implemented a program to properly address any issues that may arise during the construction process of homes through delivery to our customers. However, building a quality home properly is not where it stops. Your home is neither constructed nor warranted to be mold free. After occupying your home, it is your ongoing responsibility as a homeowner to routinely assess areas on the interior and exterior of your home and perform normal maintenance as needed to prevent moisture intrusion problems and costly damages. For example, close assessment of the exterior flashings and finishes of your home, particularly where dissimilar materials meet, and timely caulking and paint maintenance, will prevent infiltration of the outside elements and consequential damages. Active assessment and proper maintenance of the caulking around the tubs, sinks, and showers inside your home will also protect the interior finishes surrounding these typically wet areas. In addition, as a homeowner, you will need to periodically inspect your home for visible mold and promptly remove mold when present to prevent the development of more serious conditions. You must actively maintain and repair any moisture barrier built into the home which is aged or has failed, and is permitting the infiltration of moisture into the home. It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed contractor in meeting these homeowner responsibilities. The following pages in your Homeowner Maintenance Manual provide more detailed information regarding New Home Maintenance Checklists and Mold Prevention Tips. Some Tips for Mold Prevention • Moisture control is the key. Moisture sources include high relative humidity, plumbing leaks, condensation, rain water leaks, and proper ventilation. • Check for leaks on a regular basis. Repair any leaks promptly and fix the source of a moisture problem as soon as possible. • Cleananddrywetordampspotswithin48hours. • Remove promptly any materials that cannot be thoroughly dried. • Maintainlowindoorhumidity,below50%relative humidity. • To reduce indoor moisture levels, increase ventilation if the outside air is cold and dry, or use a dehumidifier if the outdoor air is warm and humid. • Run the bathroom exhaust fan a minimum of 20 minutes after a shower or bath. • Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside. • Perform regular home maintenance inspections as scheduled. • Do not let foundations stay wet. • Before bringing items into the home, check for signs of mold. • Regularvacuumingandcleaningwillhelpreduce mold levels. Mild bleach solutions and most tile cleaners are helpful in eliminating or preventing mold growth. Some Safety Tips While Investigating and Evaluating Mold and Moisture Problems • Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands. • Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes. • Do not breathe mold or mold spores. • Consider using Personal Protection Equipment when disturbing mold. Edition July 2019 | 69