Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
See below our most commonly asked questions relating to your new home. If you have any questions regarding standards or procedures, please refer to these answers first, as well as the information on the individual Maintenance Guide pages, and then contact our Warranty Service Department if you require further assistance.
To comply with the terms of your warranty all non-emergency items for which you request service must be reported in writing via email to service@trumanhomes.com.
For reasons of coordination accuracy, we cannot accept reports of routine warranty items over the phone. Please be aware that any requests accepted, unless emergency, will be attended to at your next routine warranty call at 3 month to 4 months post possession, as per the notice provided on possession.
Top 40 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do you locate the property pins?
Answer: To locate your property pins, refer to your Real Property Report, which provides the exact distance from your foundation to the pins. Using this information, measure the distance and dig 1-2 feet down with a shovel in the indicated area. A metal detector can also be helpful in pinpointing the exact location of the metal property pins.
Question: It is necessary to seal ceramic tiles with a silicone sealer?
Answer: While the glazed surface of ceramic tiles is water-resistant, the grout between the tiles is more porous and can absorb water, making it vulnerable to staining and mildew. Applying a silicone sealer to the grout helps make it more waterproof and protects against these issues. When sealing grout on floor tiles, be careful to apply the sealer only to the grout, as it can make the tiles extremely slippery. While sealing grout is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement.
Question: Under direct lighting, faint lines or ridges can be noticed in the linoleum. Can anything be done about this?
Answer: The seams between the sheets of flooring underlay sometimes show through resilient flooring. No positive method of preventing such occurrences is known, even though flooring contractors attempt to attain a level surface by using appropriate fillers.
Question: The silicone seal between the countertop and backsplash in the kitchen has separated. Is this a serious issue?
Answer: No, this is not a serious issue. Minor movement in the exterior walls and natural shrinkage of the silicone can cause separation. This is a normal occurrence and considered part of regular homeowner maintenance. Simply reapply silicone as needed to maintain the seal and prevent moisture from seeping behind the backsplash.
Question: What should I do if the furnace fails to start?
Answer: If the furnace isn’t starting, first ensure that the thermostat is set higher than the current room temperature. Next, check that the furnace switch is turned on and inspect the circuit breaker panel for any tripped breakers. If everything seems in order and the furnace still won’t start, please contact the heating contractor listed on your “Certificate of Possession” for further assistance.
Question: What is the purpose of the switch beside the thermostat labeled “Ventilation Fan”?
Answer: This switch controls the principal exhaust fan in your home, allowing you to manually enable or override it. When activated, the exhaust fan draws air from inside the home and expels it through the exterior via the wall return grills located throughout the house. Be mindful when using this switch, as manually overriding the exhaust system could prematurely alter the acclimatization of your home.
Question: What is the best way to clean the humidifier?
Answer: To remove mineral buildup in your humidifier, use a mixture of vinegar and water or C.L.R. and water. Both solutions will effectively dissolve deposits and keep your humidifier running efficiently. For deeper cleaning or part replacement, most hardware stores carry the necessary replacement components to keep your humidifier in good condition. Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
Question: Why do the lights dim momentarily when the dishwasher or washing machine changes cycles or turns on? Is this a cause for concern?
Answer: It’s normal to notice slight dimming or flickering of lights when large appliances like dishwashers or washing machines turn on or change cycles. This happens because motors in these appliances draw more electrical current during start-up than when they are running at a steady speed. As long as the dimming is brief and only occurs when the appliance starts, there is generally no cause for concern.
Question: Why aren’t the exterior outlets working?
Answer: The exterior outlets may have been deactivated due to the ground fault interrupter (G.F.I.) being tripped. This could either be on the electrical panel or at the rear exterior outlet. To restore power, first switch the breaker all the way off, then turn it back on. Next, press the reset button on the G.F.I. outlet to reactivate it. This should restore functionality to the exterior outlets.
Question: What is the switch in my front entry closet for?
Answer: This switch controls the outdoor soffit plug, typically used for seasonal decorations like holiday lights. It allows you to conveniently turn the power on and off from inside your home, without having to go outside.
Question: Why does the stain on exterior horizontal surfaces wear more quickly than on other areas?
Answer: Exterior horizontal surfaces, such as decks and steps, are exposed to harsher elements compared to vertical surfaces. Factors like snow, rain, dirt, direct sunlight, and foot traffic contribute to the faster wear of the stain on these surfaces, while vertical surfaces are less exposed to such conditions.
Question: What is the best way to clean marks from painted surfaces?
Answer: For best results, spot clean only when necessary using a damp cloth with a highly diluted dish soap solution. Be gentle and avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the paint finish. It’s important to steer clear of cleaning products that contain ammonia, as they can harm the paint. Additionally, it’s recommended to wait at least three months after taking possession before cleaning the walls to allow the paint to fully cure.
Question: Frost forms on the metal striker plates of the doorframe when it’s extremely cold outside. Does this mean the door is leaking?
Answer: Not necessarily. Frost forming on metal striker plates in very cold conditions is often due to the metal conducting cold from the outside. When this cold surface comes into contact with the warm, moist indoor air, condensation forms and may freeze, creating frost. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t necessarily indicate that the door is leaking. However, it’s always a good idea to check for drafts around the door to ensure it’s properly sealed.
Question: How do you use adjustable door strikes?
Answer: To adjust a door strike, first remove the two screws securing the strike plate. Then, shift the insert portion of the strike to the desired position, ensuring a snug fit against the jamb and weather-stripping. Once the adjustment is made, re-install the screws to secure the strike in place. Regularly maintaining this fit is important, as it helps prevent drafts, keeps outdoor elements from entering, and protects your home from potential weather-related damage.
Question: How do you adjust the exterior/entry door thresholds?
Answer: Exterior door thresholds are equipped with adjustment screws located on the top surface of the threshold. By turning these screws, you can raise or lower the threshold to ensure a tighter seal at the bottom of the door. This helps prevent drafts and improves energy efficiency. Seasonal adjustments may be necessary, as doors often close differently due to expansion in summer and contraction in winter. Regularly checking and adjusting the threshold ensures optimal performance throughout the year.
Question: Are any maintenance adjustments needed for passage doors?
Answer: Periodic tightening of the doorknobs may be necessary. Over time and with frequent use, doorknobs can gradually loosen. It’s important to regularly check and tighten them to prevent potential damage to the door or its finish. This simple maintenance helps keep the door functioning smoothly and extends its lifespan.
Question: Is door warping covered under the warranty?
Answer: Minor warping is generally considered acceptable and is a common occurrence due to changes in humidity and temperature. However, if a door warps beyond 1 inch, it is considered excessive and may require attention under the warranty.
Question: What should be used to lubricate the door and window hardware in the home?
Answer: While most household lubricants will work, a clear silicone-based spray is recommended for the best results. When applying to door hinges, be cautious to avoid drips on carpets or flooring. It’s a good idea to keep a cloth handy to wipe up any excess lubricant and prevent staining.
Question: Are there any adjustments that may be required on bi-pass doors?
Answer: Periodic adjustments may be necessary for bi-pass doors. If you notice the doors aren’t aligned properly, you can use the screw mechanism located on the inside corners of the doors. By turning these screws, you can raise or lower the corners of the door, ensuring that the side margin is parallel to the door jamb for smooth operation.
Question: Why does it feel like there is a draft coming from the windows during winter?
Answer: Even when windows are properly glazed, fitted, and weather-stripped, it can sometimes feel like there’s a draft during cold weather. In most cases, this sensation is due to vertical air movement, or convection, where warm air rises and cooler air falls over the window’s surface. Another common cause is the feeling of cold when sitting or standing near a window, which occurs as your body’s heat radiates towards the cooler surface of the glass. In extreme wind conditions, actual drafts may occur, but typically, these effects are more about air movement and temperature differences rather than window performance.
Question: Why does water collect in the bottom track of the window during rain?
Answer: It’s normal for water to enter the bottom track of the window during rain or when watering the grass, as water can pass through the window screen. The window is designed to handle this by directing any water that enters the lower track towards the corners, where it drains through slots and exits via drain holes on the outside. To ensure the window functions properly, it’s important to keep these drainage slots and exit holes clear of debris.
Question: What should I do if the window is not sealing properly?
Answer: If a window isn’t sealing correctly, first ensure that the window lock, located on the side of the interior window, is in the fully locked position. Locking the window pulls the inside and outside panes tightly together, creating a proper seal. If the window still isn’t sealing properly after locking, check for any obstructions or debris in the frame that could be preventing it from closing completely.
Question: What signs will indicate the house is drying out?
Answer:
- Small gaps may appear between the cabinets, vanities, counter/tile joints and walls.
- Miter joints in the door and window trim, baseboards and other trim may open up, and door(s) may stick.
- Fireplace mantels may shrink slightly and pull away from the walls or at the joints. Lacquered surrounds may crack at joints.
- Wood flooring opens between individual pieces, or settles from the baseboards at the walls or under jambs and trims.
- Small gaps show between stairs mouldings, drywall and the walls.
Question: What should be done if drying symptoms, like gaps or cracks, appear in the flooring?
Answer: Most shrinkage gaps and cracks can be easily repaired using appropriate caulking or wood filler. In many cases, wood flooring will return to its normal state in the spring or early summer as humidity levels rise, though minor separation is considered normal. To minimize drying symptoms, ensure your home’s humidity is maintained at the appropriate level for the time of year.
Question: Why does the floor vibrate or make noise?
Answer: Vibration is caused by the floor joist deflecting downwards when weight is applied. This is a common characteristic of engineered wood flooring systems and is not uncommon in modern construction. The deflection can sometimes cause dishes in cabinets to rattle or create a sound when someone walks on the floor above.
Question: Before developing the basement, is it possible to move a telepost to make a room larger?
Answer: Teleposts are essential structural elements designed to support the interior weight of the home. Moving or altering them could compromise the structural integrity of the entire building. Any changes to teleposts should only be made after consulting a structural engineer, who can assess whether it’s safe to reposition or remove them.
Question: What is the white powder that is appearing on some areas of the concrete floor and walls?
Answer: The white powder, known as efflorescence, is caused by salts in the concrete mix that are brought to the surface as moisture evaporates during the curing process. This is a normal occurrence and leaves a harmless salt deposit that can easily be brushed off. Efflorescence does not impact the strength or performance of the concrete and typically stops forming once the curing process is complete. Regular sweeping or light cleaning can help remove the deposits as they appear.
Question: What are the yellow stains on my driveway and concrete floors?
Answer: The yellow stains on new concrete are caused by the curing compound applied to help the concrete properly harden and strengthen. These stains are temporary and will gradually fade over time as the compound breaks down. There’s no need for concern, as this is a normal part of the curing process and does not affect the durability or integrity of the concrete.
Question: Why are cracks developing in the driveway, basement floor, garage floor, and sidewalk? Should I be concerned?
Answer: Cracks in concrete are a normal occurrence and typically not a cause for concern, as they are not structural. These cracks are often the result of natural shrinkage in the concrete or seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation. Hairline cracks are generally accepted within industry standards. However, if you notice more significant cracking—such as basement or garage floor cracks of 4mm or greater, or driveway cracks of 6mm or greater—these may require attention. Such cracks can be repaired if reported within the one-year warranty period, so be sure to schedule a service appointment if needed.
Question: Should I be concerned about cracks in the basement walls?
Answer: Minor cracks in the basement walls are quite common and generally not a cause for concern. These small cracks often result from the natural expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature fluctuations. However, if you notice any cracks that are allowing water to seep into the basement, please contact Truman’s Warranty Department immediately so we can assess and address the issue promptly.
Question: Why isn’t my exposed aggregate driveway as shiny as it was when we first moved in?
Answer: Your exposed aggregate driveway was sealed before occupancy to protect the concrete and enhance its appearance. Over time, the sealer naturally fades due to weather and general wear. To maintain the shine and protect the surface, it’s recommended to reapply the sealer at least once a year after possession.
Question: Why is my driveway having small pieces flake off (spalling)?
Answer: Spalling occurs when the surface of the driveway begins to deteriorate, often due to exposure to harsh conditions or improper maintenance. Common causes include the use of de-icing salts or road salts, which can break down the finish over time. To prevent further damage, it’s important to keep your driveway clean and avoid using abrasive materials or chemicals. Regular maintenance and prompt cleaning of any debris will help preserve the finish and prolong the life of your driveway.
Question: Why have shingles blown off the roof, and what should we do?
Answer: Shingles may come loose or blow off due to wind conditions. If this happens during normal weather, please contact our Warranty Department for assistance. However, if the damage occurs during extreme wind conditions or a windstorm, it may not be covered by the warranty. In such cases, it’s best to reach out to your home insurance company to handle repairs. Regular roof maintenance and inspections can also help prevent future issues.
Question: How long will “nail pops” and drywall cracking continue?
Answer: Minor adjustments, such as nail pops and small drywall cracks, are common and a natural part of the home’s settling process. This typically occurs within the first couple of years after occupancy. As the home adjusts to its environment, these small shifts are normal and should gradually stabilize over time.
Question: Why do eavestroughs drip during the winter?
Answer: Eavestroughs often drip in the winter due to ice and snow buildup. As daytime temperatures rise, the snow and ice begin to melt, causing water to flow into the eavestroughs. When temperatures drop again, this water can refreeze, leading to blockages or slow drainage, which results in dripping. Proper maintenance, including clearing ice and debris, can help minimize this issue.
Question: How can I prevent my downspout extension from being blown away by the wind if I leave it down all the time?
Answer: You can use an old metal coat hanger, cut and bent into a ‘U’ shape, to secure the downspout extension. Simply place the hanger over the extension and anchor it into the ground to prevent wind from dislodging it.
Question: Why is settlement occurring at downspout locations?
Answer: The ground around the downspouts is eroding because downspout extensions are not in place.
Question: What could be causing water seepage into the basement?
Answer: One possible cause is the absence of downspout extensions, which help direct water away from the foundation.
For further information, please refer to the Drainage section on the About Your Lot guide.
Question: Can the drainpipe be run underground?
Answer: Yes, as long as non-perforated tile is used. Drainage exit points must be positioned far enough from the house to prevent water from seeping into the basement. City by-laws prohibit directing drain tile runoff onto streets or sidewalks. Additionally, during winter months, below-grade drainage may become ineffective due to freezing conditions.
Question: How do I care for my lawn and landscaping?
Answer: Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your sod and trees thrive for years to come. For helpful tips and guidance,click here to download our Lawn Care Guide and learn how to properly care for your lawn.
