Care for your New Home
Why do I have shrinkage cracks and nail pops?
Traditional building materials can sometimes dry and shrink causing cracks to your timber and plaster work, particularly in the first year. Such cracks can be remedied in the normal process of redecoration and do not affect the structure of your house.
Shrinkage depends in part, on whether a reasonable even temperature is maintained in your home, especially in the first few months after you move in.
It is recommended that you maintain a maximum temperature of 18°C (65°F) during this time. If the heating is turned up too high and your home is not well-ventilated then shrinkage is more likely to occur.
Shrinkage cracks which can easily be repaired during redecoration are excluded from our Two Year Peace of Mind Cover.
What causes and how do I prevent condensation?
When your new home is built a lot of moisture can be present in the building materials. They need to dry out naturally when the heating is connected for the first time, this moisture will form condensation.
Moisture should be wiped away from windows, doors and other cold surfaces to avoid mould forming.
There are three ways to avoid excessive moisture:
- Produce less moisture. If cooking, make sure pans are covered and don't leave kettles boiling. Use your central heating system rather than a portable heater. Dry your washing outdoors where possible or use a condensing tumble drier or vent it to the outside.
- Stop moisture spreading by keeping kitchen and bathroom doors closed whilst cooking, washing, bathing and drying clothes.
- Ventilate moisture away. We recommend that the slot or trickle vents at the top of your windows are kept open when rooms are occupied.
Condensation can also be minimised by paying attention to:
- Intermediate heating. Homes where heating is off all day because you are out are more likely to experience condensation problems than those which are continually occupied. Make sure that your heating is on before you get in so that your home is warm.
- Ventilation. Much more ventilation is needed in wet areas (such as kitchens, ensuites and bathrooms). This means opening windows or using the extractor fan in these rooms.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke Detectors are provided in your new home. They are electrically operated with a battery back-up. It is essential that these are tested on a regular basis. Please note that smoke detectors do not provide full fire protection.
Room Thermostat
This can only sense air temperature immediately surrounding it so it should be set at a level that will give comfortable conditions throughout your home. However, the radiators in your home have a thermostatic valve which allows your radiator to be turned on and off and enables you to control the temperature in each room.
Central Heating Boiler
The maintenance and servicing of your boiler is essential to ensure continuing high efficiency, long life and safe operation. The frequency of servicing depends on the particular installation and how you use your boiler, however, once a year should be sufficient. Failure to service your boiler may invalidate your new home warranty.
