Start with a walk around the outside of your house, and any outbuildings you might have. Bring a notepad and a pencil with you. Start with the chimney, are there loose bricks that could come loose and cause further damage? Do you have roof top antennae? Make certain they are well attached, and the mounting hardware secure. Look careful at the roof. Are the shingles in good shape? Or are there loose shingles, or are the corners starting to curl? Repairs made now could save major grief later.
    If your house is equipped with a gutter system, check to see that they are not loose or sagging. If you are comfortable using a ladder, cleaning gutters is an unpleasant chore, but fairly easy to do. Use a garden trowel to scoop out leaves, soil and other debris that may have accumulated. When you've got all the substantial stuff out, use a garden hose to test and make sure the water runs freely out the downspouts. And make sure the water is directed to an area where it won't cause rotted sills or a flooded basement. If you don't think you can do this safely, by all means call a pro, but your gutters are an important part of the rainwater management system and should not be overlooked.
    Now take a look at the siding. Vinyl or aluminum siding can pop loose or be otherwise damaged, wood siding could curl, crack or rot. In any of these cases, the siding is no longer protecting your home from the elements. Wood siding may be painted or natural, in the case of painted siding the paint and caulking protects the wood from the ravaging effects of the sun and weather. If the paint is peeling or blistering or the caulking is falling out, it is important to take care of this right away, before the siding is ruined.
    If your windows are vinyl, an inspection for damage may be all that is needed. Wood windows, as well as doors and trim around the house may need to be painted and caulked. Rotted pieces should be replaced as soon as possible. A little time spent touching up these items could prevent a big bill later. Also look for loose shutters or other items that could cause further damage in a high wind situation.
    Railings, decks, stairs, porches and similar items get the same inspection. Check for loose or rotted boards. If you have accesses underneath, check the framework and supporting elements for rot, damage, etc. Be on the lookout for insect or rodent damage as well.
    As you walk around the house, visualize the flow of water and the effects of the wind. While you are out and looking around, think about other items that may need to be taken care of in the event of a storm, such as the kid's toys, patio furniture, or lawn and garden tools. Having a plan to deal with these items now will save time and stress when the skies darken and the wind starts to howl.
    Trees, shrubs vines and other growth should be kept well back from your house. Branches can be blown against the house during high winds, damaging siding or breaking windows. Shrubs and vines that are too close can trap moisture, causing rot and encourage insect infestation. In some cases I have even seen plants growing under siding, and sending roots through cracks in the foundation.

Water

  Never use a soaking wet mop to wash a wood floor, wring it out thoroughly after rinsing. Or use a dry mop, or one with a replaceable anti-static cloth. In any case, use as little water as possible because water deteriorates the wood and the finish. An excessive amount of water can infiltrate the wood though scratches and around the edges causing the finish to deteriorate. Wood expands when it absorbs water. In extreme cases, such as a leaking roof or pipe, the floor may buckle upwards, necessitating replacement.

Vinegar, Ammonia, and Bleach

  Cleaning methods using vinegar, ammonia or bleach can cut the life of a wood floor. In fact, many people clean their wood floors with water and vinegar or cleaners containing ammonia. These elements prematurely alter the luster of the finish and can cause black stains to appear on the planks because water can infiltrate planks and blacken the wood. Vinegar is an oxidant and alters the finish. The only way to remedy these alterations is to sand the floor and finish it again. However, sometimes the stains are too deep to sand out, leaving permanent dark areas.

Sand and Dust

  Sweeping the floor and/or vacuuming regularly will prevent abrasive sand or dust from accumulating and scratching the finished surface. Clean the bristles of the broom or vacuum attachment often to avoid scratching. Never use a vacuum with a beater bar. Remove and clean rugs, mats, and other coverings and clean them and the floor often.

Wax and All-Purpose Cleaners

  Never use wax, oil-based soaps or other oily, all-purpose cleaning products. The all-purpose cleansers on the market contain detergents and leave an oily or soapy film on the floor. This gives dirt a grip. What's more, when sanding becomes necessary, this accumulated coating of residue makes the sanding operation more difficult. Polyurethane finishes do not need waxing, polishing, or buffing.

Murphy's Oil Soap or Other Oil Soap Products

Never use oil based products such as Murphy's Oil Soap on a wood floor, or any other finished wood surface, for that matter. It will soften the finish and leave a nasty, sticky residue that is difficult to remove and will trap dust and dirt.

Furniture

  Never slide furniture or other objects on a wood floor. Put self-adhesive felt discs on the bottom of the feet or legs of all of your furniture. Use rubber cups under the wheels of the piano.

Kids and Pets

  Keep the dog’s nails clipped and do not encourage running. Sell your kids to the circus.

I am Pat Sullivan.

And I am a carpenter.

If you need residential or commercial building repairs, remodeling or improvements, and are located within a reasonable distance from Pembroke, New Hampshire, give me a call at (603)344-8635. Or send an e-mail to Pat@suncookcarpentry.com

Additions, interior remodeling, structural repairs, installation, refinishing and repair of wood floors and stairs, installation and repair of stone and tile floors and other surfaces, repair and replacement of windows and doors, plaster and sheet-rock walls, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, cabinetry fabrication, installation and repairs, kitchen counter-tops, laminate work, all types of interior and exterior woodwork such as wainscoting, chair rails and crown molding, build and repair decks and porches, building, repairing and replacement or removal of exterior stairs, ramps, sheds and other outbuildings, and a whole bunch more I haven't listed here.

As you can see there is not much content here yet. My plans are to include articles and tips for home owners, as well as provide a place to show off work that I have done.