Page 56 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance CAULK Caulk has been applied to several areas around your home - both inside and outside. In fact, in nearly any place where two different materials come together, caulk is used to seal the area and give your home a neater appearance. Caulk is also used to help insulate your home and to keep water away from areas where it should not be. During your home’s lifetime, caulk will dry and separate as a result of your home continually adjusting to its environment. This is a normal homeowner maintenance item and can be easily taken care of using a caulk gun and the proper caulk. Maintenance Guidelines • When purchasing caulk, make sure to buy the best type for your particular job. • As a general rule silicone caulk works well around water but it is not paintable. Latex caulk is paintable and is generally used for cosmetic purposes. We recommend that you ask the hardware store in your area for suggestions on which type of caulk to use. • Colored caulk is available where larger selections are provided. As with any colored material, dye lots can vary. • Caulk used in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room needs to be checked frequently for any shrinkage or cracking. If you notice this happening, repair the caulk immediately to prevent more serious problems down the road. • You will want to inspect all interior caulking around the home once a year and re-caulk as necessary. Remember to use the right caulk for your particular job. COUNTERTOPS - LAMINATE (FORMICA) Laminate countertops are long lasting and can be cared for easily by simply wiping or sweeping up crumbs or spills when they occur. Never use abrasive cleaners, as they will dull the surface. Maintenance Guidelines • Laminate countertops are heat “resistant,” not heat “proof.” Do not set hot pans or skillets on your laminate countertops as you could scorch the surface, leaving a permanent burn mark in the countertop. Instead, set all hot materials on oven pads. • Always use a cutting board when cutting, chopping, etc. Sharp knives can penetrate the surface, leaving a permanent mark. • Do not use your countertop as an ironing board. • When cleaning, use a soapy cloth or sponge to wipe up materials. Do not let any liquid stand on your laminate surfaces as it could penetrate seams, corner joints, and the backsplash, damaging your countertop. There are one-step cleaning products available for laminates that clean, reduce streaking, and leave surfaces polished. As with all cleaning products, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. • Checkseamsperiodicallyandre-caulkasnecessary. • Intime,steamfromanopendishwashermaycause swelling and delamination. To reduce moisture damage, apply a waterproof sealer to the underside of the countertop, directly over the dishwasher, and two feet left and right of the dishwasher. Apply the sealer every year to keep your countertops looking new. COUNTERTOPS - CERAMIC TILE, CORIAN, GRANITE To clean ceramic tile, Corian®, or granite countertops, use a soft towel or a brush to wipe up granular materials. For spills, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe up the area. Make sure the area is completely dry when you are finished. As with laminate countertops, do not use abrasive cleaners, as they will damage the surface. Maintenance Guidelines • The material between your tiles is called grout. It is the same material used in your tile floors, showers, and bathtubs. For more information, please see the grout section later in this guide. • Ceramic tile is brittle and can be broken by a sharp blow from a heavy object. Be careful not to drop objects on ceramic tile. • It is best to use a portable chopping block or cutting board when preparing meals as a knife can scratch tile. • Scouring powder should be used sparingly as it can 38 | Edition July 2019