| Siding and Crawlspaces |
| Summer home maintenance siding and crawlspace tips |
From "Home Maintenance"
episode DHMW-102 |
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In this segment host Tim Hockenberry shares tips on your home's siding and crawlspaces.
Clean and Check SidingMaterials: Vapor barrier
Flashlight
Foam pipe-wrap - When cleaning your siding, work from the bottom up when applying the cleaner and from the top down when rinsing to avoid streaks.
- For the tougher spots use a scrubber.
- Siding is notorious for soaking up mold and mildew. Cleaning it properly every summer can keep them away, help prevent staining or etching, and keep your siding looking brand new.
Crawlspaces - Crawlspaces can be dark, dank and dirty, but they're critical spaces when it comes to home maintenance. Poking your head down there with a flashlight at least once a year is the best way to head off trouble with moisture and termites.
- Crawlspaces with dirt floors are tremendous sources of moisture. The surface might appear dry but most often moist earth isn't too far below. Moisture in a crawlspace affects not only the flooring right above it but can affect the entire house.
- If you don't have a vapor barrier, it is a good idea to have one. A vapor barrier can be made from a variety of materials from foil to plastic. It acts as a physical shield against moisture.
- While you are in the crawlspace, check for signs of termites.
- If you have exposed piping in an unheated crawlspace, use pipe wrap.
- Another thing to check for is sewer lines. Check for leaks under where the toilet sits.
- Summertime is a good time to go into the crawlspace because it stays cool even on hot days. It is essential to check the crawlspace at least once a year to make sure it is free of pests and to check that your vapor barrier is in tact and doing its job.
In the next segment Tim shares tips on maintaining your yard.
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