Are you worn out by this winter weather? We all are, but SPRING is around the corner. I smile as I used to teach hearing impaired children what idioms are and this one in particularly. “Around the corner” you ask? well that means it is coming soon. It is precisely 16 days and 23 hours away. #notcounting
As the winter thaw begins and you prevent ice damming and roof damage to your home (link to melting blog) let’s look at these top items that should be on your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist.
Exterior Inspection –
It’s good to do a walk-around of your property especially since this winter may have taken a toll on your home’s exterior. Get ready for the warmer months ahead and make sure you’re protecting your most valuable asset while you’re at it. Make sure you’re on the lookout for these potential issues and learn how to fix them:
- Gutter Maintenance: I know it’s hard to believe right now that your gutter may be full of ice, but the fact remains that a gutter’s actual job is to divert gallons of water from your home’s exterior. Sure….no biggie! You should inspect, clean and repair gutters and downspouts every spring before the heavy rains begin. Make sure they have proper drainage so your basement does not leak and that your downspouts drain away from the foundation. Lastly, if you see granuales in your gutter, that is a sign of roof deterioration. (link to gutter blog)
- Roof: Any cracked, curled or missing shingles? Leaks tends to occur around an inadequately flashed chimney, skylight, sidewalls and valleys. Go up into your attic and look for stains on the rafters. Asphalt shingles typically last 15-18 years.
- Siding: Examine the siding under roof eaves for water or discoloration as these could be signs that ice dams may have caused leaks from the roof edge.
- Chimneys: Dave O’Shea from Marblehead Chimney advises us to check the joints between bricks and see if you see efflorescence (white calcium deposits) which could mean that your joints are no longer repelling water but absorbing it either from the inside or out. Alternatively, water penetration from outside or bleeding inside—common in gas heating flues—might signal the need for relining. Furthermore, check that your chimney has lead flashing (shiny silver) rather than tar (black), since tar wears out quickly.
- Windows: Your windows should not be drafty or have any air leakage. Be sure you check the caulking and weather stripping you have around your windows. A tight seal is the first line of defense against air and water so if you experienced any window leaks with ice dams this winter you will need to make sure they are functioning properly. If you see any condensation on your windows (fogged glass) it means that your windows are no longer working to keep the heat in and the cool out and the seal has been compromised. You will need to replace these windows
Use this spring checklist to make sure this frigid ice dam laden winter didn’t do damage to your home. Many homeowners think spring checklists are all about cleaning but the key part is maintenance. Ensure your home is in optimal condition for the rest of the year with this smart checklist. Whenever you notice your home’s exterior needs a facelift, call us, and we’ll visit with checklists to ensure spring readiness!
