6. Get the chimney swept and inspected.
Do this once a year or after you've
burned a cord of wood, whichever happens first. Why? Because creosote — a
flammable, resinous wood byproduct — builds up inside the chimney flue when
you burn wood. (Wood stoves and fireplaces need sweeping; gas-burning
appliances do not. They do need a yearly inspection from a licensed gas
technician to remove accumulated dust or debris and check for proper operation,
leaks and worn or defective parts. Ask your gas company to send a technician to
your home or use the search option at the
)
A clogged chimney can cause an explosive fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
"A chimney fire is like a couple of sticks of dynamite. It's huge," Carey says. This
is not a do-it-yourself job. Hire a trained chimney sweep who uses brushes,
vacuums, cameras and other tools to remove soot and creosote and inspect for
damage. While he's up there, ask him also to inspect the flashings that seal the
joints between the chimney and roof for rust or holes and to inspect the seal on
the chimney's surface. Chimneys made of brick, stone or other masonry must, in
cold areas, be sealed every three years or so. Sealing keeps moisture from
soaking the mortar. Moist mortar freezes, thaws and crumbles, weakening the
chimney and creating a fire hazard. Find a certified chimney sweep at the
or through the
The guild suggests checking references and
asking out how long a company has been in business and if it carries current
liability insurance (to protect your home from damage). Check for complaints
against a company with both the
and your attorney
general (see
.
7. Check bathtub caulk.
Inspect the line of caulk that seals the tub to the floor
and the tub surround. Repair cracks with polyurethane bathroom caulk. Also,
inspect the points where tub faucets emerge from the wall or tub surround.
8. Check the toilet seal.
Look for water or discoloration of flooring at the seam
where the toilet meets the floor, particularly behind the toilet. If you find moisture,
call a plumber to find and repair the source.
Two or three times a year
9. Muck out the gutters.
Hire someone (around $50-$100) or get a stable ladder
(and someone to hold it) and do it yourself. But clean the gutters as soon as
leaves and gunk plug them up, Juneau urges. That may be several times a year,
depending on the wind and trees around your house. Leaves and pine needles
clog drainpipes that carry rain water from the roof to the ground. When the water
can't drain out, it gathers around the foundation and in the crawl space, rotting
house supports and encouraging mold and mildew, Juneau cautions. Slosh water