At
Barrera & Company we recommend the following General
Maintenance Suggestions
listed below for the following components. But for quality,
comprehensive maintenance manuals we recommend Protec
Building Services.
Protec's manuals help developers avoid frivolous construction
defect litigation and are a valuable tool for better management
of the community.
There are significant differences between ProTec and other
manual publishers. See their our clients, including DR Horton,
Barratt American, Lennar Homes, Centex Homes, Warmington
Homes, EPAC, Shea Homes Orange County, Shea Homes San Diego
County, Bosa Development, John Laing Homes, Greystone Homes,
Western Pacific Housing, Continental Homes, Intragulf, Douglas
Wilson Companies, Newland Communities, Hallmark Communities,
Santaluz LLC,
KB Homes and Intracorp have selected
ProTec Building Services as their Maintenance Experts.
Please
contact Paul Mayeski
at 800-557-2217 for more information.
BARRERA
AND COMPANY'S GENERAL MAINTENANCE SUGGESTIONS
ROOFING:
These procedures should be done semi-annually, preferably
before and after the winter rains:
A) Routine inspection and cleaning to keep the roofs free
from debris (leaves, etc).
B) Check all venting at pipe jack collars and other penetrations
for leaks, patching with roof mastic to prevent water penetration.
C) Mineral cap sheet lap separations at horizontal/end joints
should be resealed where necessary with a recommended sealing
compound.
D) Check all metal roof flashing for twists and corrosion,
and repair using suggested sealant.
E) Ridge-caps and damaged shingles should be repaired and
checked for water tightness as needed.
Any localized intermittent failures and leaks should be
treated as emergency repairs until the complete re-roofing
of the building is necessitated according to the evaluated
timetable.
As
well as this, adopting an "on-going" annual preventive
maintenance program with a qualified roofing contractor
will help keep the system water-tight and insure maximum
life expectancy of the roofing materials/applications
PAINTING:
Curtailing surface deterioration by "touching up"
will reduce the frequency and cost of a major repaint. Sand
all doors lightly, scrape all deteriorated paint from wood
trim, and prime raw areas where needed is the primary preparatory
maintenance required. Painting should also be carried out
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, with
all minor openings filled with a recommended sealant.
Wrought
iron painting method (if applicable): Thoroughly wire-brush
all scaled and surface rusted areas, apply vinegar to all
bare metal (pickling), properly rust?proof susceptible bottom
rail welded joints, and repaint using a rust inhibitive
primer for the undercoat.
ASPHALT
SURFACES: The anticipated life expectancy of the asphalt
is provided that regular sealing and a prudent preventive
program is maintained in the interim period. The asphalt
paving should have semi?annual inspections to verify surface
conditions, possible deterioration of curbs and pavement
edges, base material failure, and tearing due to root growth
under the pavement. All surfaces should be kept free of
debris and rock so that vehicles do not force these objects
through the thin sealed layers of the pavement. The frequency
of seal-coating may vary due to traffic conditions.
FENCING:
Special attention should be given to the upright supports
of all the fencing, and they should be replaced or repaired
immediately on signs of weakening. In addition, maintaining
proper base clearances, minimizing vegetation fence growth,
adjusting sprinkler heads, and painting on a regular 3-5
year cycle, will help prolong the life of the fencing.
LIGHTING:
All lighting fixtures should be inspected annually for signs
of deterioration, especially at the fixture bases where
they meet the ground level and point of fixture attachment
to the post or mounting base. Any needed replacements for
bulbs or covers will occur on such a sporadic schedule that
they more than likely will be cleaned and replaced on an
"as?needed" basis
WOOD
DECKING: Approximately once a year, the deck should
be checked for loose boards and protruding nails, thoroughly
cleaned, and resealed. Cleaning involves the removal of
dirt, algae, moss, and other organic matter. Resealing is
accomplished by applying a clear or semi-clear liquid sealant
(as recommended) to all exposed surfaces.
POOL/SPA: The joints in the concrete decks surrounding
the pool area and especially the joints between the concrete
deck and coping tiles require semi?annual inspections to
insure that they are watertight and are preventing water
from reaching the underlying soil. The joints, as well as
any cracks that may develop in the concrete surface, should
be cleaned out and sealed promptly. It is extremely important
to maintain a watertight barrier between the pool deck and
the underlying soil. Failure to do so greatly reduces the
normal life expectancy of the pool deck as the soil swells
and shrinks from varying moisture content.
An acid wash is solely for cosmetic and maintenance purposes,
and its necessity relies on the quality of your maintenance.
An acid washing removes the somewhat glazed finish on the
"original" plaster, leaving it more susceptible
to staining from any chemicals being added subsequently.
Each time this is done, it reduces the remaining life of
the plaster finish. Acid washing could be needed as often
as every 3 years, and is totally at the discretion of the
Association. The cost for a periodic acid wash has not been
included.
LANDSCAPING: Replacement of the valves is done periodically
on an "as needed" basis and may be handled through
the operating budget. The sub-surface drainage systems should
be kept free of debris at all times. The irrigation system
and watering cycles should be periodically evaluated to
prevent over-watering. Careful monitoring of any potential
tree problems should be maintained, so as to be addressed
in future reserve or operating budgets. Due to the unpredictable
nature of this category, the landscaping and irrigation
systems should be constantly reviewed and amounts revised
to properly reflect its history.
TENNIS COURTS: The court surfaces should be kept
clean and free of debris at all times. Monthly cleaning
to include light sweeping and rinsing is recommended.
WATER
SYSTEMS: Due to safety reasons and code requirements,
it is recommended that all, maintenance inspections and
repairs be completed by a licensed professional. Use all
recommended safety precautions and manufacturers instructions
when servicing any mechanical equipment.
Boiler - Annual evaluations of the boiler components
are recommended. Inspect the boiler pressure relief valve
to verify size and code requirements. Make sure alkalinity
and pH are properly controlled. Review the electrical systems
to the boiler and pumps. Check for loose pipe-fittings or
possible gas leaks. Inspect flue for rust, leaks or any
other type of damage (look for water marks at joints and
seams). All vents are to be sized per the boilers manufacturers
recommendations. Check combustion air paths and clean all
screens, grills or filters. Replace damaged burners, gaskets
or seals as needed.
Electric Water Heater - Generally it is recommended
to drain the water heater once or twice a year to remove
sediment. Periodically check the thermostat setting, gaskets
or seals for leaks, power system, safety valve, and evidence
rust or sediment in the tank or pipes.
Gas Water Heater - Partially drain water heater every
6 months to prevent sediment build-up. Annually clean flue
and test the temperature pressure relief valve. Other possible
maintenance requirements: cleaning of burner ports; replace
the anticorrosion anode rod.