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Monitor basement humidity and avoid
relative humidity levels above 60 per cent. Use a dehumidifier to
maintain safe relative humidity. Clean or replace air conditioning
filter, and wash or replace ventilation system filters if necessary. |
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Check basement pipes for condensation or
dripping, and take corrective action, for example, reduce humidity and
or insulate cold water pipes. |
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Check the basement floor drain to ensure
the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary. |
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If you have a plumbing fixture that is not
used frequently, for example, a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub
or shower stall, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap. |
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Deep clean carpets and rugs. |
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Vacuum bathroom fan grille. |
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Disconnect the duct connected to the dryer
and vacuum lint from duct, the areas surrounding your clothes dryer and
your dryer’s vent hood outside. |
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Check security of all guardrails and
handrails. |
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Check smooth functioning of all windows and
lubricate as required. |
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Inspect window putty on outside of glass
panes and replace if needed. |
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Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws as
needed. |
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Lubricate garage door hardware and ensure
it is operating properly. |
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Lubricate automatic garage door opener
motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is
properly adjusted. |
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Check and replace damaged caulking and
weather-stripping around windows and doorways, including the doorway
between the garage and the house. |
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Inspect electrical service lines for secure
attachment where they enter your house, and make sure there is no water
leakage into the house along the electrical conduit. |
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Check exterior wood siding and trim for
signs of deterioration; clean, replace or refinish as needed. |
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Check for and seal off any holes in
exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as
bats, squirrels. |
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Remove any plants that contact, or roots
that penetrate, the siding or brick. |
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Climb up on your roof, or use binoculars,
to check its general condition, and note any sagging, that could
indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from inside
the attic. Note the condition of all shingles for possible repair or
replacement, and examine all roof flashings, such as at chimney and roof
joints, for any signs of cracking or leakage. |
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Sweep chimneys connected to any wood
burning appliance or fireplace, and inspect them for end-of-season
problems. |
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Check the chimney cap and the caulking
between the cap and the chimney. |
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Repair driveway and walkways as needed. |
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Repair any damaged steps that present a
safety problem. |
