After a cold, long and dark winter, your home is ready to bask in the warm and fresh air that the spring provides. The only problem is that the longer and brighter days will also reveal aesthetic issues in and around your home. Cracked concrete, debris filled gutters, and dead plants in the flower bed are just some of the areas around your home where you may notice neglect.
This checklist will help you zero in on the areas that are most in need of maintenance. This will allow you to complete your chores and put your tools away so you can enjoy the gorgeous weather.
Inspect the Roof Shingles | Was your home hit by a heavy snowstorm, ice storm, or rain during the winter? If so, there may be some shingles that were damaged or lost. If the roof covering on your home is older, it would be an excellent idea to begin saving money in case you will have to replace the roof during the spring or summer.
The sun is its hottest and brightest during the summer and it can cause damage to a roof that has been weakened during the winter. Shingles that are loose, cracked, or buckled will have to be replaced.
You will also need to hire a qualified contractor with scaffolding to check the flashing around the chimneys, plumbing vents, and skylights.
Check the Wood Trim | A screwdriver can be used to probe all of the wood trim in and around your home. The trim around your deck, railings, windows and doors can suffer damage when exposed to the elements. Make all of the necessary repairs now before summer storms cause additional issues with the exposed wood.
The Gutters | Leaky and loose gutters can cause improper drainage. When the water from the roof is not drained correctly, the water can end up in the crawl space, basement, or even seep into the foundation of your home. Be sure that all downspouts are positioned so the water does not flow towards the foundation, and also make sure that debris is removed from the gutters as well.
Add Compacted Soil around Your Home | You should add compacted soil to the area around your foundation and other low-lying areas that are in your yard. When it begins to rain, these areas can become flooded quickly, and flooding can lead to damage to your home’s foundation. If left unchecked, pools of water around your home can also be used by insects for breeding.
Check the Concrete | Evaluate all of the concrete slabs around your home for cracks or instability. Any exterior concrete slab that is in your garden or yard should help move water away from the home’s foundation. If you notice any cracks, fill these cracks with silicone or concrete caulk filler. Once the weather permits, you can then power wash and re-seal the slabs.
This checklist can help you spruce up your home in time for spring. By using these maintenance tips, you will be ready to enjoy your home during the long, lazy days of summer.
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