Crawlspaces

If you have a crawlspace you should inspect it at least twice a year.  This is to check for the accumulation of moisture on the floor or condensation on the structural material.

Ventilation in these places is very important.  As such you should have through-the-wall ventilators.  You should check the crawlspace on very hot or cold days.  If there is water accumulation, this is a sign that the ventilation is not sufficient.

Asbestos insulation is frequently detected around boiler lines.  If it is in good condition it can be covered with tightly sealed plastic to keep the fibers from becoming airborne.  If it is not in good condition it will need to be removed, however, the homeowner should never attempt this removal.  Instead they should call a specialist.

Foundation Cracks

Most houses have cracks of some kind.  A hairline fracture in the slab is normally of no structural significance.  However, cracking in the foundation wall is more important.  While a stairstep crack is less important than a vertical crack either one with an opening of 1/8″ to 1/4″ may be cause for concern.  Of course smaller cracks may also be a concern depending on the circumstances.

The key to load bearing wall cracks  is to ensure that there is no further movement.  To do this you should fill in the crack and then over a perioud of 6 to 12 months check for reappearances or seperation between the filling and the wall.  If there is additional movement then it would be advised that you call a specialist.  It may be anything from a simple matter regarding the property or something as expensive as unerpinning the foundation.  Remember, cracks frequently appear around windows and door frames which are places of inherent weakness.

Hot Air Furnaces

Furnaces can be fueled by many different things.  Electric furnaces are the cleanest but the most expensive to operate.  These furnaces require very little maintenance other than changing the filter and occasionally replacing a burnt out heating element.

Forced air gas furnaces are quite efficient and are much more common than the oil furnace.  The heat exchanger in these is quite difficult to inspect because it is encased inside the cabinet.  If a hole develops in the heat exchanger, the intire unit should be replaced.  If there is an accumulation of rust flakes in the bottom of the unit you should have it checked out.

Maintenance of the forced gas furnace is fairly easy; consisting of cleaning the combustion compartment and flue annually.  Gas furnaces should be serviced by a qualified technician every two or three years while oil burning furnaces should be serviced yearly.