Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties

Home headaches you can easily avoid

It's inevitable. You have a house. You love your house. One day, some day, something eventually is going to happen. Something breaks. Something needs repainting or repairing. It's just part of owning a house. Luckily there are problems you don't have to experience. Below are common problems in your home you can easily avoid. And besides, don't we all have enough problems as it is?

Hanging a Ceiling Fan from a Light Fixture Box

Light fixture boxes in the ceiling are not designed to carry the weight of a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans have a special mounting box that requires a different mounting system than a typical light fixture box. If a ceiling fan is hung from a light fixture box, the vibration of the fan and the weight of the fan may cause the box to rip out of the ceiling. Ceiling fans also have special electrical connection requirements that differ from ordinary light fixtures.

Placing Plastic Deflectors over Furnace Vents

These vents, known as warm air supply grills, are often placed in front of a window or slider door (either in the floor or ceiling). They are designed to sweep the air from these areas and mix it with the air in the center of the room. By placing these deflectors over the grills, the homeowner creates a space of stagnant air with high humidity during the rainy season. Moisture condenses on the windows and, over time, can rot the windowsills and structural members inside the wall. Mold and mildew are likely to grow in these areas. Plastic deflectors should never be used on warm air supply grills.

Cracking Fireplace Linings

Generally, fireplace linings come in one of two types: a cast panel of simulated brick or real brick with mortar between each brick. All fireplaces require a series of low heat fires to “cure” the fireplace lining. By initially building a very hot fire (such as burning sawdust, wax logs, newspapers, or gift wrappings), intense heat can be generated and cause the fireplace lining to crack. Never burn paper or other composite products in the fireplace. Be certain to follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times.

Placing Rugs or Non-breathable Coverings over Wood and Synthetic Decks

Decks need to breathe, even decks with synthetic coatings. By placing non-breathable coverings (such as indoor/outdoor carpeting) over wood and synthetic decks, moisture will be trapped between the bottom of the covering and the top of the deck. This can result in rot and premature failure of the deck.

Security Alarm Installation/Penetration of Windows and Walls

If an aftermarket alarm is installed by the homeowner, or by a contractor who has not been hired by the builder, great care should be taken to seal all penetrations through windows and walls to avoid future dryrot. Never drill into the bottom track of a window or door to install an alarm contact.

Spraying a Hose On Exterior Doors

Homeowners often make the mistake of trying to clean their exterior doors by spraying a hose on them. Exterior doors are not designed to repel water from hose washing. All too often, the homeowner discovers that the hardwood or tile entry has warped or buckled as a result of water going under the threshold. Doors can be cleaned with a dusting brush and, if necessary, a damp turkish towel.

Nailing Fences to House Walls

Nailing any part of a fence to a house wall invites two problems — Trapping rainwater between the fence post and the house wall; and the invasion of termites through the fence into the house structure. The terminating fence post should be placed in the ground beside the foundation and should not be attached to or come in contact with the house.

By keeping these common culprits in mind, you can more quickly go back to doing what it is your really want to do in your home — enjoy it!