Post-Install Maintenance Checklist for NJ Homeowners

First 30 days: Walk the perimeter after the first significant rain and check that gutters are running clean and downspouts are draining away from the foundation. Minor shingle sealing takes 2–4 weeks in warm weather; avoid walking on the roof during this period.

Annually: Clean gutters and downspouts in fall after leaves have dropped. Remove debris accumulation from valleys and around penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights). A quick inspection from the ground — binoculars work — lets you spot lifted shingles or visible damage after severe weather without requiring a ladder.

Warranty note: Most CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and GAF warranty programs require that the roof be kept free of debris and that gutters be maintained. Damage caused by ice damming from clogged gutters is typically not covered.

First 90 days: New windows may show a slight condensation pattern on the interior glass surface as the installation caulk and sealant fully cure. This is normal and resolves on its own. Don't scrape or disturb exterior caulk lines during curing.

Annually: Clean window tracks and weep holes — small drainage slots at the bottom of the frame — with a soft brush or compressed air. Weep holes prevent water from pooling in the track; blocked weep holes are a common cause of water infiltration complaints that have nothing to do with the window itself.

Hardware: Lubricate casement and awning window operators with a silicone-based lubricant annually. Avoid petroleum-based products, which degrade vinyl and neoprene seals over time.

First 30 days: Avoid wet mopping for the first two weeks while adhesives and transition strips fully cure. Area rugs with rubber backing can trap moisture — use felt-backed rugs or breathable underlays instead.

Ongoing: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit, which is the primary cause of surface wear on LVP. Use a damp mop (not wet) with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid steam mops — the heat and moisture can affect the locking joints over time, particularly on WPC products.

Furniture: Use felt pads on furniture legs. Hard plastic casters and rubber feet can cause indentation in LVP under sustained weight. Distribute heavy furniture loads with furniture coasters when possible.

CliqCore™ solid-surface: The panels require almost no maintenance. Clean weekly with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals like bleach-based tile cleaners — they're not necessary and will dull the finish over time. The base and wall panels are non-porous, so there's no grout to seal or mold to address in the panel joints.

Caulk inspection: The caulk line where the CliqCore™ panels meet the tub flange or shower threshold is the one area that deserves annual attention. Inspect it annually and re-caulk at the first sign of separation or cracking. A failed caulk line allows water behind the system — catching it early is a 20-minute fix; ignoring it eventually means a much larger repair.

Tile bathrooms: Grout sealing is the most important ongoing maintenance task. Seal grout in wet areas annually with a penetrating silicone sealer. Replace caulk at corners and penetrations at the first sign of cracking — caulk, not grout, should fill all inside corners in a tile shower.