A Quick Spring Maintenance Checklist
The weather is getting warmer now—although a lot more gradually than many of us would like—and it’s a perfect time to take a look around and see what needs sprucing up after the long winter.
Extremes fluctuations in temperature, combines with wind, rain, snow, sleet and ice can have a detrimental effect on the exterior of your home, no matter how old or new it may be. Getting an early start on your spring maintenance projects will leave you more time to enjoy the warmer weather, or help you book a contractor before the busy construction season gets under way.
Here are some spring maintenance tips:
Check the roof. The roof will take a beating during the winter, no matter what climate you live in. The combination of heavy winds, heavy rain and/or heavy snow can leave your roof looking worse for wear. You don’t necessarily have to climb a ladder to check it out: grab a set of binoculars or just peruse your roofline from the ground. Look for shingles that have shifted, curled or are missing. (Spying a few on the ground is a good indication that all is not well.). Look for nails, too, that have popped up out of place.
Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, whether it be cracked masonry, chipped bricks or a slight tilt. If you see a whitish build-up, it could be a sign that your masonry joints are no longer repelling water.
- Watch your walls. Water stains on your exterior walls could mean that your masonry is not longer repelling water, or that your gutters are not working effectively. If you have wood siding, look for any type of holes or splintering; it could mean you have termites or other pests, or that it’s time to replace it.
- Feel out the foundation. When it freezes and thaws, the ground around your home can shift subtly and damage your foundation. While you are giving your home during a spring maintenance check, look for any cracks, no matter how thin, in your masonry. If you spot any, call a professional—this is one kind of fix-it project that you don’t want to do yourself.
- Watch your windows. Your windows are vulnerable to changes in temperature, exposure to the elements and the inevitable progress of father time. On your spring maintenance check, make sure you don’t see any splits in the caulking around your windows, or any signs or warping in the frames themselves. Check for drafts, too, that may indicate a blown seal.
- Analyze the attic. You may not like going up there, but checking out your attic is a necessity. A spring maintenance check of your attic can tell you a lot about how your home weathered the winter. Look for signs of mold, either gray or black patches, as well as any indication of insects or rodents. While you’re up there, check out the insulation, too. If it’s not at least as deep as your floor joists, you’re throwing money out the window.
Spring maintenance is a necessary routine for any homeowner, no matter how old or new your house may be. A quick look around can help you spot issues before they become expensive problems. Complete your spring maintenance check early, so you can enjoy the sun!
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