Roof & Gutters:
•Remember to keep the roof and gutters free of leaves and debris for proper
Remember to keep the roof and gutters free of leaves and debris for proper drainage. Heat tape may be installed to keep the roof and gutter free of snow and ice in order to prevent ice dams, leaks and damage. Please be safe when working on the roof…hire a professional if dangerous conditions exist!Plumbing:
•Remove hose connections and turn off exterior water sources to prevent
Remove hose connections and turn off exterior water sources to prevent freezing.•Avoid frozen pipes in your home by never leaving your home unheated in the
Avoid frozen pipes in your home by never leaving your home unheated in the winter while the water is still turned on. If the water is left on be sure to leave your thermostat at 55 degrees or above. If you are leaving for any length
of time it is best to turn off the water before you leave. •Check sump pump operation. Also check discharge pipe for any blockage.
Check sump pump operation. Also check discharge pipe for any blockage.•Be sure to run water through drains that often go unused (such as basement
Be sure to run water through drains that often go unused (such as basement drains and guest showers). This will prevent an unpleasant experience known as a “dry trap”. When the drain trap goes dry it can allow sewer gases into your home. Simply adding water to the drain will reverse this condition should it occur.Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
•Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, to be certain that the batteries
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, to be certain that the batteries are still good and the units are operational. Vinyl Siding:
•Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush.
Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work up and rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff. You can use a power washer though you should read the washer instructions carefully before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the power washer upward as water may collect behind the siding. •Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as
Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%) has proven successful. Alternatively, you also could try the following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.•A list of commonly accepted cleaners is provided in the box below. Be sure to
A list of commonly accepted cleaners is provided in the box below. Be sure to spot check any general or stain specific cleaner before using it on a large section of siding. After removing the stain, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding. Windows & Doors:
•Inspect doors and windows for proper operation and fit...replace weather-
Inspect doors and windows for proper operation and fit...replace weather- stripping or caulk as needed. Always keep your windows locked when closed for a tighter seal.*********With all home maintenance, it is important to review product manufacturer
recommendations and be sure to call a professional if you are uncomfortable
performing any of these items.
Maintenance & Preventative Care :
2551 Van Ommen Dr., Holland, MI 49424
Phone: (616) 399-6311 Fax: (616) 399-8114
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Vinyl Siding Cleaners
General cleaners (e.g., Simple Green®, Nice & Easy®, Armor All®, etc.) can be used to clean dirt, bird droppings, and spider webs. Stain-specific cleaners are listed below. Rinse all cleaners with water before they dry.
Stain Cleaners*
Cleaners* Bubble Gum Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, solution of vinegar
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, solution of vinegar (30%), water (70%) and Windex® Crayon Lestoil®
Lestoil® DAP (oil-based caulk) Fantastik®
Fantastik® Felt-tip Pen Fantastik®, water-based cleaners
Fantastik®, water-based cleaners Grass Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® Lithium (car) Grease Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®Motor Oil Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® Paint Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub®
Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub® Pencil Soft Scrub®
Soft Scrub® Rust Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® Tar Soft Scrub®
Soft Scrub® Top Soil Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®
Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap® *Cleaning Materials are listed in alphabetical order.
* VEC makes on warranty for impact that these products or processes have on landscaping
*VSI and VEC does not endorse products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. Reference to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives.
