When winter is over and spring is beginning, not only does the interior of your home call for a “spring cleaning,” but the exterior is in need of some maintenance and inspection as well. You need to check to see whether the cold winter caused damage to your home in order to prevent any future issues and reduced efficiency. You don’t need to call in a professional. You can inspect your property, and with the right tools, you can likely repair it yourself. From Mortgages for America, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Inspect and Repair Roof
Harsh winters and storms can result in roof damage. Even minor damage needs immediate attention to prevent future costly repairs. You will need to thoroughly inspect your roof, beginning with the interior of your home. Grab a flashlight and closely look at all the ceilings to see if any water damage is leaking through, especially in the attic or upper level. Next, grab a ladder and carefully climb onto the roof. Check to see that all the cement seals are still intact and look for shingle damage. Sometimes, a shingle just needs to simply be pushed back down into place and sealed, though don’t any repairs you feel uncomfortable doing. However, keep in mind that if your roof needs extensive work, you might need to look for ways to handle the expense; the average cost of a roof replacement is between $7000 and $12,100.
Inspect and Repair Gutters
While you are already on the roof, check out your gutters. Gutters are an often overlooked area of home maintenance, but according to Fox News, they can cause damage if left unattended. First, make sure any snow and ice didn’t cause the gutter to pull away from the house. Next, you’ll want to clean them out. Leaves, dirt, and debris can gather in the gutters and cause issues with water drainage, potentially damaging your home.
Inspect and Repair Sprinklers
Another area of spring home maintenance that needs attention is the care of your sprinklers and lawn watering system. Especially if you had a harsh winter, the pipes may have cracked due to frozen water still inside the system. First, gather the proper tools and supplies, such as extra sprinkler heads and spare parts’ fittings. Then, slowly turn the water on to fill the pipes. You want to avoid a quick blast of water, which may cause the air in the pipes to burst open. Any leaks or holes that you find need to be repaired immediately.
Other Areas of Possible Damage
Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and wind can wreak havoc on other areas of your home as well. Once it warms up, you also need to check your screens, concrete, and landscaping. Inspect all the screens in your home for rips or cracks. If a screen has been damaged, you can use a utility knife to cut away the damaged screen, remove the frame, and install a new one. Winter can also cause the concrete around your home and in your driveway to crack. To avoid shifting foundation, caulk and seal any cracks or holes that you find. Additionally, you’ll want to inspect your landscaping. Hopefully, you have already winterized your trees and shrubbery. If damage has occurred, remove all the dead limbs, branches, and bark to promote healing.
When spring arrives, take the time to properly inspect your roof, gutters, sprinklers, concrete, and landscaping. If there is any damage, gather the proper tools and immediately make repairs. And if you’re thinking of selling your home soon, be sure to consider other upgrades that are easier to tackle in warmer weather, such as exterior updates or replacing windows.
Whatever you do, don’t let small problems go unresolved. Left alone they can lead to major costly future issues down the road, including foundation shifting and water damage inside your home. The best way to avoid those issues is through regular and routine maintenance. With the right tools and a free weekend or two, you can properly inspect and care for your home.
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