Warmer days signal that spring is just a few short weeks away. It’s time to start thinking about maintaining your home for the season, even if everything seems in working order. Think of home maintenance as a physical. Prevention and attention is the best way to ward off future costly repairs. Winter can be rough on roofs, gutters, windows, and foundations. And damage isn’t always immediately apparent. Here’s a spring maintenance checklist for a thorough examination of your home.
1. Roof—Look for shingle shifting, cracked or missing shingles, and nail pops. Nails pushing up the tabs of the shingles could be an indication that water is getting in. To ensure the proper function of your roof, attend to these issues. Fear of heights keeping you on the ground? Try using some binoculars.
2. Gutters—Check for loose or leaky gutters. Gutters that aren’t properly drained can cause water seepage in the basement and crawl spaces. Make sure that downspouts are clear of debris and drain away from the foundation of your house.
3. Windows—Condensation on double and triple glazed windows during winter months are a sign that the seal is compromised. Compromised seals mean that cooled air in your home during summer can easily escape. Either the glass or the whole window may need replacing. Windows also need cleaning inside and out with mild cleaning agents and soft cloths so as not to scratch glass. Don’t power wash windows and screens as the force of water can scratch glass and damage wire meshing.
4. Foundation—Examine your foundation from top to bottom for cracks. Routine caulking of cracks is not likely to be sufficient in the long run. Consider hiring a foundation expert who can inject epoxy to bond the cracks chemically.
5. Chimneys—Check bricks and stones for any vegetation or loose pieces. Both indicate water infiltration. If you see a white, calcium-like deposit on your chimney, masonry joints are probably absorbing water instead of repelling it. Reseal with a barrier material made for masonry.
6. Air Conditioning—Prepare your AC now just as you do your furnace in the fall. Call a professional to test your AC’s performance. He or she will change your filter, check hose connections for leaks, check drain pans, and vacuum dust that has settled on the unit, which can compromise effectiveness.
7. Attics—Check for mold in the form of gray or black blotches that look like stains. Proper insulation and ventilation will prevent mold. A roofing company can help. Also look for signs of critters or insects that have colonized. Call a pest control company if you find a problem.
8. Basement—Basements are prone to dampness and insects. Dampness in the walls or floor may be a sign that you need a dehumidifier. Also, check exposed framing for insects. Even a quarter inch of tunneling in the wood warrants calling a pest control company.
9. Leaks—Check for leaky faucets, clogged drains, and sweaty pipes around the house. Check for wetness under all sinks. Also check washing machines to ensure hoses and hose connections aren’t bulging, loose, or cracked. Check around the dishwasher for any leaks or drips. Get to the root of a minor issue before it becomes a major one.
10. Grill—If you haven’t been using your grill in winter months, check the burner jets for any obstructions. Ensure gas hoses are secure. Make sure your gas grill has a full tank of propane for the start of the season. For charcoal grills, make sure the grill is free of ash and any greasy residues.