Spring is on our minds now that the snow has melted and the days are getting longer and warmer. Winter storms combined with freezing and thawing temperatures take their toll on your home’s exterior. As you plan for spring cleaning, remember to clean and inspect the outside of your home, too. Below is a handy checklist to help you prevent or catch problems early. Consider keeping a record of the maintenance and repairs you have completed for easy reference later.
- Roof – read our blog post on inspecting your roof
- Siding – clean siding with a pressure washer. As you do, check for any damage, algae, water stains, etc. Algae may be a sign of water entry and water stains could point to gutters not working properly. For painted areas, watch for peeling paint or wood showing through. Scrape or sand and repaint as necessary. Not only does a fresh coat of paint look great, but it will shield your home against the elements.
- Clean gutters and down spouts. It’s a dirty job, but worth it to keep water flowing freely away from your home as the snow melts and spring rains come. Run a hose on your roof to check for proper drainage. If leaks exists, dry the area and patch with caulk or epoxy.
- Windows and doors – watch for leaking (either of air or water) and condensation between your window panes. You might have discovered drafty areas in your home over the winter. Will caulking or epoxy seal up the leak, or should you consider a new window or door? Clean screens, patch any holes to keep bugs out, and make sure the screens fit snuggly. Wind can ruin screens that are loose-fitting and flap around.
- Deck – Repair or replace loose or damaged boards and pound in nails that are sticking up to prevent injury. Consider repainting or staining your deck every few years as needed to keep the wood protected and in good shape.
- Foundation – walk around your home and look for obvious cracks. Caulk will not cut it here – if you see cracks, call a professional to get them filled correctly and avoid problems down the road. Inspect the area where the ground meets your home. Keep soil and plants away from your siding and grade dirt to slope away from your home.
Keeping up with these tips will help you stay up-to-date with the aging process that your home experiences and will help you keep up with any minor repairs before they become major problems. If you have any questions about certain things that you notice on your home, don’t be afraid to reach out to a Grand Rapids Roofing Company. Most professionals are happy to give advice and tips that may be directly related to a specific issue – and the ones that don’t may not be as professional as they seem.