Spring is finally here which means it’s time to check your home for any damage old man winter may have caused, whether that be moisture accumulation, clogged gutters, or animals nesting in vents. Here are some home maintenance areas around your home you’ll want to check.
Start With The Roof
Your roof is one of the most important structural items of your house and one that stands up to constant abuse from the weather. It is recommended you inspect your roof every spring and fall. It’s also a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor do this. But if your budget doesn’t allow it, then exercise safety, caution, and common sense if you decide to do it yourself.
Check shingles for warping, peeling, or discoloration, and look around your chimney and vent pipes for any gaps in the flashing as well as any rust spots. Then take your roof inspection inside, because any water damage in your walls and ceilings can be related to a leaky roof.
Gutters
A lot of debris will have accumulated in your gutters over the winter, so give them a good cleaning out. This is important because spring and summer will bring a lot of rain, and you want that water to be guided away from your house where it won’t do any damage.
Chimney
If you have a traditional masonry chimney, you’ll want to check the joints between the stones or bricks to see if any have fallen out. Also, you shouldn’t see any kind of plants growing out of your chimney. You may think it looks sort of charming, but this is a sign of water infiltration.
You’ll also want to check for a white calcium-like deposit called efflorescence. This is a sign that your masonry joints are no longer repelling the water but absorbing it instead. You can hire someone to reseal it or apply a water-resistant barrier yourself, such as a Thoroseal product. Follow the directions carefully and understand that it may take a few applications.
Windows
Make sure to check around your windows to see if any caulking or weather stripping is missing. Any leakage around your windows will mean warm, humid, summer air has an easy entry, and cool, air-conditioned air has an easy escape route.
Foundation
Check your home’s concrete foundation for cracks. Now, small cracks are fairly typical in any home, but large cracks are not. Especially ones that are horizontal or ones that are wider at the bottom than at the top. These types of cracks can signal your foundation needs some repair. No water should be accumulating around your foundation.
Check other concrete structures, such as stairs and walkways, for damage.
Your HVAC System
You’ll want to make sure all of your system’s operating pressures are accurate. Check the controls and clean the condenser coils well. If you haven’t done so already, consider installing animal-proof vent closures to keep animals from getting inside and making nests. It’s not good for them, and it’s not good for your home.
Air Conditioning
In the fall, it’s important to service your furnace so you can heat your home efficiently. Well, it’s equally important to service your air conditioner in the spring to get it ready to cool your house in the summer.
Change the filter and check all of the hose connections for any leaks. Also, make sure all of the drain pans are draining correctly. If you think there may be any other issues involved with your unit, it’s best to have professionals service it.
Other Things to Consider
It’s a great idea to check your home’s screens for any rips. Also, check your deck for any damage and give it a good sweeping. Make sure your outdoor furniture is in good order, and check the outside of your home for any peeling paint or bubbles.
And, when you get through with all of that, head inside your house where you can start with a good ol’ fashioned spring cleaning!
About the Author
James is your friendly neighborhood content writer here at the Green Living Blog. With a passion for all things sustainable, he’s your go-to guru for everything eco-friendly. Armed with a treasure trove of wisdom about sustainable living, recycling, and environmentally conscious practices, James is on a mission. He’s here to make sure you not only protect your family but also keep Mother Earth smiling. 😊🌎 When he’s not busy sharing eco-friendly insights, James can often be found teaching his cat that compost bins make the purr-fect hideaway. 🐱♻️ Join James on his quest to uncover the secrets of defeating wasteful habits while leaving the lightest footprint on our precious planet’s ecosystem.