Getting Ready for Spring -What to look for
Every year when the weather starts to get warm there are a few things you should look out for around the house
Gutters & Siding
Sprinkler system and garden hose valves (hose bibs)
Basement Moisture
Exterior Foundation
Roof
Gutters & Siding
Regular maintenance of your gutters and siding is essential for safeguarding your home. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, while damaged siding can compromise insulation and weather protection as well.
An annual inspection helps ensure that gutters are free of debris and functioning properly, allowing water to flow away from your home’s foundation. Hop on a ladder with a garbage bag and don’t forget your gloves!!!
Check siding for cracks, warping, or separation. Around windows and doors, inspect the silicone seals, make sure everything looks smooth and intact
Proactive care can help prevent costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your property. Don't wait for problems to arise; schedule a check today to keep your home in top condition.
**TIP**- Walking on the roof is easier, if you can safely, to clean gutters. Caution using a blower or power washer, they do great but make a mess!
**TIP**- When inspecting siding, if you can see in, water can get in! Silicone holes and seams
Sprinklers & Hose Bibs
During the colder months, water left in sprinkler lines and hose bibs can freeze, leading to cracks & leaks. Locate & fix them before more damage occurs
Hose Bibs should have a shutoff valve inside the home. Ensure the exterior valve is open (as it should have been left during winterization) and open the interior shutoff valve, searching your immediate area for leaks. Then close the hose valve outside and check again. If you have a leak, close the shut off until it’s repaired, thats another topic! Upgrade to Frost-Free Hose Bibs and you won’t need to do this process every year
Inspecting for broken inground sprinkler lines is essential for maintaining an efficient irrigation system. Signs of damaged lines may include uneven watering, soggy spots in your yard, or a sudden increase in your water bill. To identify issues, start by visual inspection of the sprinkler heads and surrounding areas for any leaks or pooling water. Activate the system to observe the pressure; inconsistent spray can indicate a break. Using methods such as pressure testing or employing a professional service can accurately locate hidden breaks.
TIP- Take a small garden shovel and loosen up the soil around sprinkler heads to ensure they can freely operate. Non working heads indicate a break in that zone
Foundation Inspection- Inside and out
Cracks happen. Structures settle, materials expand and contract, thermal stress, especially in 4-season climates does a number on building materials. Here’s what to look for in your foundation inspection:
Inside-
Cracks along walls/floor
Moisture seepage
Around Doors & Windows
Along Plumbing/Heating pipes (Problems can arise from within)
Outside-
Cracks on the walls
Widening gaps between Stoop/Patio
Erosion where earth meets foundation is a sign that water is draining against the house instead of away from it
Around windows/doors- Look for water marks indicating pooling
If your concrete walls/floor is exposed, Drylok is a paint on waterproofer…get the 5 gallon, you’ll need it!
Here is a good Crack Filler for any cracks that develop, horizontal or vertical
Roof
It’s no secret your roof is one of the most important facets of the home to keep in tip top shape. What do you keep an eye out for?
Look for loose or missing shingles
Inspect around each protrusion to ensure a seal- Use a good Rubberized Flashing Cement to seal cracks/holes or Flashing Tape for a larger area
Keep it clean from leaves and moss
Inspect ceilings inside and attic framing for water stains
*TIP*- Skylights love to leak… Remember roofs are pitched. Just because you see a water stain doesn’t mean the leak is necessarily right above. Leaks often don’t show themselves as stains until they are a few feet away from point of origin