Homeowner’s Springtime Checklist
With the winter months gone and thunderstorm season approaching, now is an ideal time to make sure your home is in good shape for the rest of spring. Keeping up on some small tasks on the interior and exterior of your home can save time and money. Delay your costly repairs by extending the life of your homes critical components with simple routine maintenance.
Gutters
It’s important to have your gutters cleaned and repaired to reduce the chance of serious or even structural damage to your home. A clogged gutter can cause water to build up and find its way to places it shouldn’t be; rotting wood or collecting and damaging your foundation. This can be a simple DIY task that requires little expert knowledge to conduct. Checking for leaves or broken areas in the gutters to replace is important to stop blockage and leaks.
Exterior Woodwork
If you have any exterior woodwork such as decks, railings, fences, and other outdoor structures, take this time to make any needed repairs and reseal the woodwork. Deck and fence wood can bend, become discolored and break during storms. If exterior woodwork is resealed every year or two it will last much longer and stay in better condition.
Check for Termites
Termites live in damp soil and find a food source from places in homes that contact the ground where they can come up through. The period from March through June tends to be the heaviest termite season. If you see large groups of tan insects flying out of or surrounding a wood structure hole, they are probably termites. You’ll save money in the long-run if you’re able to locate these insects sooner rather than later and call in a professional to take care of them.
Roof Inspection
Winter storms and heavy snow can take a toll on your roof so the spring season is ideal to make a visual inspection. It can sometimes be hard to see, but looking for any missing shingles or paneling could prevent future leaks on the inside of the home. If you notice any substantial damage to your roof, it is always important to call a professional so that no further problems occur. Never leave roof problems to fester – even tiny problems can turn into tens of thousands of dollars of repairs if left alone.
If you have a chimney a previous post may be good to review for some simple tips:
Exterior Paint
Siding and exterior paint fades over time and can be damaged in storms but there are plenty of options to keep your home looking new. If the paint is fading or has been damaged, try a fresh coat of paint or replacing damaged siding . If you don’t have the tools or time – find a professional. Exterior painting can be a tedious task. Seek out a professional after coming up with a plan and a budget!
Driveway and Path Inspection
Concrete, asphalt, and other hardscaping materials can become damaged or cracked over the winter from freezing and thawing. Check your driveway or pathways for any signs of cracks or repairs that need to be made. If you are wanting a quick fix for a crack, you can always fill with some caulk or quick mix concrete, but note that patching over a deeper issue may only mask a serious problem.
Sprinkler & Irrigation Systems
When turning your sprinkler system on for the first time of the year, make certain that all sprinkler heads come up and are working with no damage to them. Check the direction of the sprinkler heads and make sure they aren’t spraying the house or windows which can create moisture and leaking problems.
Window Seams and A/C Units
Check for holes and tears in the screens, and cracks or gaps in your windows and related seals. Proper seals stop the air conditioning from running out and will save you significant money in the summer. Change the filters on your A/C at least once a season (or in accordance with your HVAC system’s requirements), and schedule a professional to service equipment before summer to keep your cooling system running efficiently and lasting longer.
Forensic Engineering Specialists
Engineering Specialists Inc. has nearly 30 years of field experience in analyzing the damage to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. We can work on any project in any state, nationwide. When you or your business needs to confirm the extent of damage or how to correct a problem, email us at office@esinationwide.com or call us, toll-free, at (877) 559-4010.
