Page 91 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance Dampness Your Homeowners Insurance should normally cover these items. ROOF If a leak occurs, try to detect the exact location. This will greatly simplify finding the area that requires repair when the roof is dry. WATERPROOFING Your basement exterior foundation was installed with a Delta MS product. This is a highly effective, foundation protection system based on a uniquely shaped air-gap membrane. It reliably keeps ground moisture away from the foundation as well. WINDOWS, SCREENS AND PATIO DOORS Weep Holes If a leak occurs, try to detect the exact location. This will greatly simplify finding the area that requires repair when the roof is dry. In heavy rains, water may collect in the bottom channel of window frames. Weep holes are provided to allow excess water to escape to the outside. Keep the bottom window, channels, and weep holes free of dirt and debris for proper operation. WINTERIZING YOUR HOME During the winter months there are some necessary precautions that every homeowner should adhere to concerning the protection of the water system and maintaining gutters. Leaves are a big problem. We would like to remind you that gutters get clogged with leaves, causing overflow of the water, which sometimes result in leaks. A routine check of gutters for debris is advised. Detach all water hoses from the outside water faucets. Turn off water source where shut off is provided. Any water left in a hose could freeze resulting in pressure on the faucets, causing them to crack and/or leak. A faucet left on (with hose attached and water turned off at hose) will certainly cause damage to the faucet in freezing temperatures. Due to the amount of water in concrete, basements may be damp. Condensation can form on water lines and drip onto the floor. GRADING AND DRAINAGE Drainage Typically, the grade around your home should slope away from your home for the first five (5) feet. 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. GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS Leaks If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a commercial gutter caulking compound available at hardware stores. MILDEW Mildew is a fungus that spreads through the air in microscopic spores. They love moisture and feed on surfaces or dirt. On siding, they look like a layer of dirt. Cleaning mildew from your home is your responsibility. Solutions that remove mildew are available from local paint or home improvement stores. Wear protective eye wear and rubber gloves for this task; the chemicals that remove mildew are unfriendly to humans. PLUMBING Leaks K. Hovnanian® Homes will repair leaks in the plumbing system during the limited warranty period. If a plumbing leak caused by a warranted item results in drywall or floor covering damage, we will repair or replace items that were part of the home as originally purchased. Edition July 2019 | 73