The necessary grades have been established in order to assure the proper drainage of water away from your home. This site drainage is limited to the immediate grades affecting your structure. No pooling (standing water) should remain near the foundation after 24 hours following a rain, with the exception of subdivision swales and sump pump discharge.

Standing water longer than 24 hours should be anticipated however, following a heavy rain. The Joseph Lane Company, Inc. is responsible only for initially establishing grade and swales. The site is inspected for this prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the city. After that inspection, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining such grade and swales. These are not covered under warranty.

Cracks in exterior wall surfaces are not uncommon. Cracks greater then 1/8 inch shall be repaired as required. No guarantee to color match or pattern is implied and patching with a appropriate sealant is acceptable.

It is the nature of concrete foundations, wall, patios, floors, and driveways to develop hairline cracks. Only cracks or vertical displacement not affecting structural stability in excess of 1/8 inch will be addressed. Surface patching is an acceptable method for this repair. Where two structures of concrete meet (such as front steps at the foundation) heaving or movement in excess of I inch will be addressed. Some standing water should also be anticipated on concrete surfaces especially following a heavy rain.

Concrete floors in habitable areas exceeding 1/4 inch slope in 32 inches unless designed for drainage purposes shall be repaired. Cracks in basement floors exceeding 3/16 inch in width or 1/8 inch in vertical displacement shall be repaired by surface patching. Garage floors in excess of 1/4 inch in width or 1/4 inch vertical displacement shall be repaired by surface patching. Stoops, steps, patios with cracks exceeding 3/16 inch width or 1/8 inch in vertical displacement are considered excessive and shall be repaired by surface patching.

Any verifiable roof leak shall be corrected. Any leak resulting from homeowners failure to maintain proper grade, neglect of adjusting door thresholds, ice buildups, rain driven into attic louvers or vents, overflowing gutters, or lack of proper homeowner maintenance are not warrantable conditions. Attic and crawl spaces shall be ventilated as required by local, state and federal buildings codes.

Gutter and down spouts shall not leak nor shall water stand in gutters in excess of I inch depth. Exterior sealants used to seal doors, windows, siding, etc. will shrink and must be maintained during the life of the home. This requires periodic caulking and is a homeowner maintenance item. At garage doors, some entrance of the elements can be expected under severe conditions. Moisture may also be present at windows as storm windows are not designed to be water tight. Leaks in basements resulting in actual trickling of water shall be repaired.